Sportswoman

[f. SPORT sb.¹] A woman who follows or practises, is addicted to or interested in, sport, esp. field-sport.

1754.  Shebbeare, Matrimony (1766), II. 206. My good Dame is a very unfair Sportswoman.

1796.  Sporting Mag., VII. 288. The celebrated Miss Barlow, well known as an accomplished sportswoman.

1810.  Lady Lyttelton, Corr., iv. (1912), 93. I used to hate hunting talk; but … I grew a complete sport’s-woman in theory before we left the country.

1865.  Sat. Rev., 11 March, 281/2. A quarry worthy of the aim of an ambitious sportswoman.

1896.  Cath. News, 9 May, 15/3. The dashing sportswoman who used to hunt like a man.

  † b.  A loose woman or harlot. Obs.

1816.  Sporting Mag., XLVIII. 161. A great bustle … has been made by the police among the sportswomen of the lowest rank.