[f. ADVENTURER, after analogy of sorcer-er, sorcer-ess; govern-or, govern-ess, etc. See -ESS.] A female adventurer; a woman on the look-out for a position.
1754. H. Walpole, Lett. to H. Mann, 257 (1834), III. 74. There is an adventuress in the world who even in the dullest times will take care not to let conversation stagnate.
1758. Chesterfield, Lett., 331 (1792), IV. 122. She must be a kind of aventurière, to engage so easily in such an adventure.
1827. Scott, Surg. Dau., Wks. 1868, XLVIII. 365. That the gentle and simple Menie Grey should be in the train of such a character as this adventuress.
1847. Thackeray, Van. F., xlviii. 425. The odious little adventuress making her curtsey.
1863. M. A. Power, Arab. Days, 232. A good sprinkling of foreigners, adventurers, and adventuresses.
