Dictionary entry

Virago

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Vi‐ra″go (?; 277), n.; pl.Viragoes (#). [L. virago, -intis, from vir a man. See Virile.] 1. A woman of extraordinary stature, strength, and courage; a woman who has the robust body and masculine mind of a man; a female warrior.

To arms! to arms! the fierce virago cries. Pope.

2. Hence, a mannish woman; a bold, turbulent woman; a termagant; a vixen.

Virago... serpent under femininity. Chaucer.