Obs. [f. ALDER sb.2 + -ESS; ? short for aldermaness.] The wife of an alderman or mayor.
1608. York Reg. MS., 7. [John Bramhall, alderman of Pontefract, desires to be buried] at the end of the maiors and aldresses stall.
1692. R. Thoresby, Diary, I. 220. After with relations … to the funeral of Aldress Hick. Ibid. (1713), II. 180. Madam Nevile was this day buried—also was another aldress interred.
