[f. BENEFACTOR + -ESS.] A female benefactor.
1711. Swift, Vind. Dk. Marlborough, Wks. 1814, V. 397. While his gracious benefactress is contented to take up her residence in an old patched-up palace.
1781. Gibbon, Decl. & F., III. xlviii. 32. They basely conspired against their benefactress.
1834. Lamb, Elia, Oxford in Vac. And pay a devoir to some Founder, or noble or Royal Benefactress.
