†(a) a woman engaged in practical matters (obsolete); (b) a woman who works in commerce or has a profession; = businesswoman, n.

A female manager or director. †Formerly, also, a woman who conducted the education and ‘breeding’ of any one, a governess.

A woman who works or is skilful in business; (now esp.) one who works in commerce at an executive level. Cf. businessman, n. 2.

(a) a woman or girl who works in business (now somewhat archaic); (b) colloquial and euphemistic (originally U.S.) a prostitute; = working girl, n. 2.