Mistress (lover)
A mistress is a long-term female lover and companion who is not married to her partner; the term is used especially when her partner is married. The relationship generally is stable and at least semi-permanent; however, the couple does not live together openly. Also the relationship is usually, but not always, secret. There is an implication that a mistress may be "kept"—i.e., that the lover is paying for some of the woman's living expenses.
The word mistress was originally used as a neutral counterpart to mister or master.
Read more about Mistress (lover): Definition, History, Male Equivalent, In Literature
Famous quotes containing the word mistress:
“What is the student but a lover courting a fickle mistress who ever eludes his grasp?”
—Sir William Osler (1849–1919)