Dictionary entry

Madonna

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Ma‐don″na (?), n. [It. madonna my lady. See Dame, Donna, and cf. Madame, Monkey.] 1. My lady; — a term of address in Italian formerly used as the equivalent of Madame, but for which Signora is now substituted. Sometimes introduced into English. Shak.

2. [pl.Madonnas (nȧz).] A picture of the Virgin Mary (usually with the babe).

The Italian painters are noted for drawing the Madonnas by their own wives or mistresses. Rymer.