The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Matron \Ma"tron\, n. [F. matrone, L. matrona, fr. mater mother.
   See Mother.]
   1. A wife or a widow, especially, one who has borne children;
      a woman of staid or motherly manners.
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            Your wives, your daughters,
            Your matrons, and your maids.         --Shak.
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            Grave from her cradle, insomuch that she was a
            matron before she was a mother.       --Fuller.
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   2. A housekeeper; esp., a woman who manages the domestic
      economy of a public instution; a head nurse in a hospital;
      as, the matron of a school or hospital.
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   Jury of matrons (Law), a jury of experienced women called
      to determine the question of pregnancy when set up in bar
      of execution, and for other cognate purposes.
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