noun
(also ladee)
informal A lady, especially (among men) a woman spoken of or viewed as ready to be romanced, seduced, or won over.
In later use frequently used with self-conscious irony, or to suggest a person's attitude towards women.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Harper's Magazine. Representing an exaggerated colloquial pronunciation of lady, particularly as used by salesmen, entertainers, etc., when addressing or appealing to an audience.
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