[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

madam \mad"am\, n.; pl. madams, or mesdames. see madame.
   1. a gentlewoman; -- an appellation or courteous form of
      address given to a lady, especially an elderly or a
      married lady; -- much used in the address, at the
      beginning of a letter, to a woman. the corresponding word
      in addressing a man is sir; often abbreviated ma'am when
      used as a term of address.
      1913 webster

   2. the woman who is in charge of a household.
      pjc

   3. the woman who is in charge of a brothel.
      pjc
see also:
madams mesdames madame sir 

Madams >> M Words
Madams, definition of term: Madams
madams_pag1.html