Maioresse

An Epitaph on the death of the vertuous Matrone, the Ladie Maioresse, late wyfe to the right Honorable Lorde, (Alexander Auenet) Lord Maior of the Citie of London. Who deceased the vii. Daie of Iuly. 1570.

Source: wiktionary

IN a towne, where the Praetor is wise, the Counsell wittie, is a slouenly citizen, to whom many are so indebted, that they haue much to doe, to pay for the forbearance, and no man can get a generall quietus est at his hand till he be dead; which yet is longed for of very few. For both the principall agents in the corporation, receiue maintenance from him: and the Maioresse, with the other good wiues, doe so fansie him, and the fore man of his shop, Bawdie Brian, that there is many times much misgouernance thereby in the whole towne: notwithstanding any edict, proclamation, or reclamation that the magistrate can make.

Source: wiktionary

Oh are ye come? welcome good Cosin Shoare, / But you indéed are welcome gentle Niece. / Needs must you be our Ladie Maioresse now, / And helpe vs, or else we are shamde for euer, / Good Cosin still thus am I bolde with you. / Sh. / With all my heart my Lord, & thank ye too, / That you do please to vse our homely help. / Ma. / Why sée how neatly she bestirs her selfe, / And in good sooth makes huswifery to shine? / Ah had my Ladie Maioresse liu’de to see / Faire Mistresse Shoare thus beautifie her house, / She would haue beene not little proud thereof.

Source: wiktionary

So I iudg’d by the phisiognomy of the fellow, that came in; and I had a dreame last night too of the new pageant, and my lady Maioresse, which is alwaies very ominous to me.

Source: wiktionary