grande dame 
(grănd dăm, gränd däm)
(grănd dăm, gränd däm)n. pl. grandes dames also grand dames (grănd dăm, gränd däm)
1. A highly respected elderly or middle-aged woman.
2. A respected woman having extensive experience in her field: the grande dame of women's professional tennis.
3. A building or institution regarded as noteworthy on account of its age and historic prominence.
[French : grande, great + dame, lady.]