adj. 1. Characteristic of a well-mannered woman or girl who adheres to traditional norms of propriety and femininity: "As soon as boys can walk they are encouraged to do sports, while rambunctious girls are urged to be more ladylike" (Steve Olson). 2. Appropriate to such a woman or girl, as in being restrained or delicate: "She ate a small, ladylike forkful of her mashed potatoes" (Martha Southgate). lady·like′ness n. |
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