This title is derived from two Saxon words, which signify loaf-day, which words have in time been contracted into the present appellation. It properly belongs only to the daughters of earls, and all of higher rank; but custom has made it a word of complaisance for the wives of knights and of all eminent women.

As to the original application of this expression, it may be observed, that heretofore it was the fashion for those families, whom God had blessed with affluence, to live constantly at their mansion houses in the country, and that once a-week, or oftener, the lady of the manor distributed to her poor neighbours, with her own hands, a certain quantity of bread; but the practice, which gave rise to this title is now as little known as the meaning of it; however, it may be from that hospitable custom, that to this day the ladies in this kingdom alone serve the meat at their own table.