HOSTESS

hostess. Hostess, n. a female host, landlady, mistress

---

Host″ess (?), n. [[OE. hostesse, ostesse. See Host a landlord.]] 1. 1. A female host; a woman who hospitably entertains guests at her house. Shak.
2. 2. A woman who entertains guests for compensation; a female innkeeper. Shak.