The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Madame \Ma`dame"\, n.; pl. Mesdames. [F., fr. ma my (L. mea) +
dame dame. See Dame, and cf. Madonna.]
My lady; -- a French title formerly given to ladies of
quality; now, in France, given to all married women.
--Chaucer.
[1913 Webster] Mad-apple
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Madam \Mad"am\, n.; pl. Madams, or Mesdames. [See Madame.]
1. A gentlewoman; -- an appellation or courteous form of
address given to a lady, especially an elderly or a
married lady; -- much used in the address, at the
beginning of a letter, to a woman. The corresponding word
in addressing a man is Sir; often abbreviated ma'am when
used as a term of address.
[1913 Webster]
2. The woman who is in charge of a household.
[PJC]
3. The woman who is in charge of a brothel.
[PJC]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Mesdames \Mes`dames"\ (F. ?, E. ?), n.,
pl. of Madame and Madam.
[1913 Webster]