(The), subs. (vulgar).—1. A wife: sometimes written as in quot. 1864; and (2), among servants, a mistress.
1846–8. THACKERAY, Vanity Fair, xxv. So he altered these words, bowing to the superior knowledge of his little MISSIS.
1857. A. TROLLOPE, Barchester Towers, xxxii. Mr. Harding and Mr. Arabin had all quarrelled with MISSUS for having received a letter from Mr. SLOPE.
1864. Glasgow Herald, 11 Nov. ‘Bankruptcy Examinations.’ I did not buy the property in Crown Street. THE MRS. bought a property in Rosehall Street.
