Doyenne

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Doyenne is a French term meaning "oldest woman" (the word for "oldest man" is 'doyen'). It is used in sentences such as "Jeanne Calment, la 'doyenne' de l' humanité". Ironically, there is no word in the English language for "oldest person" (the English language has far more words). The word has been used in print in English for some time. For example, Helen Thomas is frequently referred to as the doyenne of the White House press corps.

Reference

• [Dictionary entry for "Doyenne"]

 

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