tallywoman en · NOUN
Etymology
From tally + woman.
Meanings
- A woman who conducts the tally trade.
-
(archaic, informal, regional) A woman who cohabits (with someone) outside of marriage.
It is used in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cheshire, and, I dare say, various other counties. A tally-woman is the mistress of a married man, who is said to live tally with her.
[1890, F.C. Birkbeck Terry, “Tally-woman”, in Notes and Queries, page 297:
- (Ireland) A female counting agent.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| tallywomen | Number=Plur | lexicographic |