NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Ma'am

Madam or ma'am is a title for a woman. It is derived from the French madame, the equivalent of Mrs. or Ms., and literally signifying "my lady." The plural of madam in this sense is mesdames. (In the context of property law, title refers to ownership or documents of ownership; see title (property). ... This page has been protected from editing to deal with vandalism. ... Mrs. ... For alternative uses, see Ms Ms. ... A lady is a woman who is the counterpart of a lord; or, the counterpart of a gentleman. ...

Contents

1 Use as an address

2 Use as a job title

3 Ancien régime France

4 See also

Use as an address

Madam is used in direct address, without the woman's name, for example when addressed by a stranger: May I help you, madam? In the United States, "Ma'am" (to rhyme with 'jam') is usually used. The male equivalent is sir. Sir is an honorary title. ...

In English-speaking countries, the wife of a foreign dignitary is called Madame (note final 'e') in direct address and formal correspondence (and not Señora, Frau etc.)

After addressing her as "Your Majesty," it is proper to address the Queen of the United Kingdom as "ma'am" (which should rhyme with "pam", not "palm") for the remainder of the conversation. The British monarch or Sovereign is the monarch and head of state of the United Kingdom and its overseas territories, and is the source of all executive, judicial and (as the Queen-in-Parliament) legislative power. ...

Madam is also used as the equivalent of Mr. in composed titles, such as Madam Justice, Madam Speaker, Madam President. Most of these titles are usually used only in direct address, without the woman's last name: one would say President Smith, not Madam President Smith, even if one would address her to her face as Madam President. Mr. ...

However, the title Madam Justice is used in third-person reference: Madam Justice Louise Arbour, Madam Justice Arbour. Louise Arbour (Canadian Press file photo) Louise Arbour (born February 10, 1947 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada) is a Canadian judge. ...

In the United States Supreme Court, rather than adopting the title Madam Justice for female justices, the title Mr. Justice was replaced simply by Justice. Likewise, female presidents of the Republic of Ireland have preferred to be addressed simply as President in direct address, rather than Madam President. Female judges of the High Court of Justice of England and Wales are titled Mrs. Justice rather than Madam Justice. The Supreme Court Building, Washington, D.C. The Supreme Court Building, Washington, D.C., (large image) The Supreme Court of the United States, located in Washington, D.C., is the highest court (see supreme court) in the United States; that is, it has ultimate judicial authority within the United States... Her Majestys High Court of Justice (known more simply as the High Court) is, together with the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal, part of the Supreme Court of Judicature in England and Wales: see Courts of England and Wales. ...

Use as a job title

Madam is also an informal term for a woman who runs an escort service, brothel or otherwise manages prostitution; a female pimp. The plural of madam in this sense is regular: madams. Escort agencies in theory exist to supply attractive and well-mannered escorts for social occasions. ... Prostitution is the sale of sexual services (typically manual stimulation, oral sex, sexual intercourse, or anal sex) for cash or other kind of return, generally indiscriminately with many persons. ... Prostitution is the sale of sexual services (examples: oral sex, sexual intercourse) for money. ... A pimp is an informal term for a man who runs a brothel or otherwise oversees prostitution. ...

Ancien régime France

Under the Ancien régime, Madame was the wife of Monsieur, the eldest of the King's brothers. Ancien Régime means Old Rule or Old Order in French; in English, the term refers primarily to the social and political system established in France under the Valois and Bourbon dynasties. ...