A woman who occupies the chair of presidency at a meeting, in a committee, etc. (Hardly a recognized name.)
1699. T. Brown, in R. L’Estrange, Erasm. Colloq. (1711), 404. We ought to have … four chairwomen of our four committees.
1734. Fielding, Univ. Gallant, II. She sits … chairwoman of a committee of fools, to criticize on fashions.
1869. Pall Mall Gaz., 9 Sept., 8/2. The Duchess rose and said … ‘then I think the arduous duties of chairman—or shall I say chairwoman?—will cease.’
Chairwoman, obs. form of CHARWOMAN.
