1. a woman who writes books or other literary works
Usage: somewhat dated or formal; modern usage often prefers 'author' for all genders

Examples

• Jane Austen was a celebrated authoress of the early 19th century.
• The authoress published her first novel at the age of thirty.
• Many authoresses of that era wrote under male pseudonyms.
• She became a renowned authoress after her debut work won critical acclaim.
• The authoress gave a reading from her latest book at the literary festival.