Dame

Dame is a noble title and the female equivalent of the honour of knighthood in the British honours system and the systems of several other commonwealth countries such as Australia and New Zealand. The word "damehood" is rarely used but it is shown, on the official British Monarchy website, as being the correct term. It is the equivalent form of address to "Sir" for knights. A woman appointed to the grades of Dame Commander or Dame Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, the Royal Victorian Order, or the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire becomes a dame. Because there is no female equivalent to a Knight Bachelor, women are always appointed to an order of chivalry. Women who are appointed to the Most Noble Order of the Garter or the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle are given the title of "Lady" rather than "Dame".