Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

dame-school

noun

/deɪm skuːl/

Definition

A dame-school is a small, informal school often run by a woman, usually held in her own home, where young children, particularly girls, are taught basic literacy and numerical skills.

Examples

The local dame-school was known for its nurturing environment.
Many children attended dame-schools before the age of formal schooling.
She learned her letters and numbers at a dame-school when she was five.

Meaning

The term ‘dame-school’ historically refers to early educational institutions in England and America before the establishment of formal public schools, typically catering to young children.