1. An older woman hired to act as a chaperone or companion to a young unmarried woman, especially in Spanish or Portuguese families.
Usage: Historically common in Spanish and Latin American contexts; Now chiefly historical or literary

Examples

• In the novel, the young lady's duenna accompanied her to all social events.
• The duenna was responsible for maintaining the girl's reputation and propriety.
• She served as a duenna to the wealthy merchant's daughter for many years.
• The strict duenna disapproved of the young man's visits.
• Without her duenna present, the woman could not attend the ball.