grande dame

noun[before a noun]3

1. •
   A woman who is high-ranking, socially prominent, or has a dignified character, especially one who is advanced in age and haughty.

   • You only 'make love' languidly to some grande dame, who blinds him with sandal-wood and stifles him in lace; […] — 1865
2. •
   A woman who is accomplished and influential, and is a respected senior figure in a particular field; a doyenne.

   • As the grande dame of Latin American actresses, Norma Aleandro is accustomed to having choice roles gravitate in her direction. — 2007
3. •
   (figurative) A very highly regarded and well-known institution or structure, or large conveyance such as a ship.

   • Carlton […] Returned to its former glory, this is the grande dame of all Bilbao hotels. — 2006