First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
virago
noun vi·ra·go \və-ˈrä-(ˌ)gō, -ˈrā-; ˈvir-ə-ˌgō\
: an angry woman who often complains about and criticizes other people
plural vi·ra·goes or vi·ra·gos
Full Definition of VIRAGO
1
: a loud overbearing woman : termagant
2
: a woman of great stature, strength, and courage
— vi·rag·i·nous \və-ˈra-jə-nəs\ adjective
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Origin of VIRAGO
Middle English, from Latin viragin-, virago, from vir man — more at virile
Related to VIRAGO
- Synonyms
- battle-ax (or battle-axe), dragon lady, fury, harpy, harridan, termagant, shrew, vixen
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