Ma*don"na (?), n. [It. madonna my lady. See Dame, Donna, and cf. Madame, Monkey.]
1.
My lady; -- a term of address in Italian formerly used as the equivalent of Madame, but for which Signora is now substituted. Sometimes introduced into English.
Shak.
2. [pl. Madonnas (n&adot;z).]
A picture of the Virgin Mary (usually with the babe).
The Italian painters are noted for drawing the Madonnas by their own wives or mistresses.
Rymer.
© Webster 1913.