A grande dame is a term used to describe an older woman of high social standing. The term can be broken down into four words: MATRIARCH (9 letters), LADY (4 letters), MATRON (6 letters), and DOWAGER (7 letters). A MATRIARCH is a female head of a family or tribe, while a LADY is a polite term for a woman of high social standing. A MATRON is a married woman who is respected for her wisdom and experience, and a DOWAGER is a widow of high social standing. All of these terms together describe a grande dame, an older woman of high social standing.