1. a woman who owns or runs a business establishment
Usage: somewhat dated

Examples

• The proprietress of the small café greeted each customer personally.
• She became the proprietress of the bookstore after her father retired.
• The hotel proprietress ensured that all guests felt welcome.
• As proprietress of the boutique, she carefully selected each item for sale.
• The elderly proprietress had run the inn for over thirty years.
• Local residents respected the proprietress for her fair business practices.