The title Madam was: Hogwarts Teachers.

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 86993

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "ghinghapuss" <rredordead at a...>
wrote:
> Mandy here:
> 
> I always thought Madam is a professional title for a female. Married 
> or single.  ...edited...
> 
> Madam is a title that implies a certain amount of earned respect.
> 
> Just as a footnote:  In England when little girl starts acing out and 
> being bossy to adults she is often referred to as a 'Proper Little 
> Madam.'
> 
> Mandy

bboy_mn:

I speculate that Madam is a courtesy title used when addressing an
older woman deserving of respect when that persons marital status is
unknown, unimportant, irrelevant or a delicate subject to be avoided.

Keep in mind that to an 11 year old, late 20's is ancient.

With regard to Mrs. Skower's Magical Mess Remover; Mrs. Skower is at
liberty to name her product anything she desires.

Note that Madam Pince the librarian, is a professional and is older
and is certainly in an authoritative position that demands respect,
but at the same time is not a teacher; therefore, she is addressed as
Madam.

Madam Hooche is also not a teach, therefore not a professor, but she
is an intructor, and an older woman, and in a position of authority,
thereby deserving the respectful title of Madam. I would speculate
that Madam Hooche's postion is roughly equivalent to a coach or
physical education instructor. He expertise is not in any academic
are, so she is not titled Professor.

Madam Rosmerta; while I can't establish it as fact, I have always
taken Rosmerta to be her first name. So we have a blended reference
here. She is madam because she is a respected business woman, and the
proprietor of the Three Broomsticks. Get on the wrong side of Madam
Rosmerta and you are libel to find yourself thrown out, and there
after drinking you ale with the unsavory rif-raf at the Hogs Head Inn.
On the other hand, she is in the hospitality business, and therefore
would want to cultivate a friendly congenial atmosphere, which is way
she is referred to by her first name.

In Madam Rosmerta's case, you show respect to the person tapping the
ale for fear that disrespect will cause the tap to run dry, and at the
same time, you maintain a friendly social attitude toward her.

I do agree that encountering a woman in a professional capacity, one
would automatically address them as madam until such time as told to
do otherwise. Working in a professional capacity, would automatically
indicate some due respect. In Madam Rosmerta's case, you use Madam for
respect, and Rosmerta for social friendliness, but in other cases
which are more formal and business-like, 'Madam' or 'Madam' and 'Last
Name' would be the proper thing to do.

So, in summary, the use of Madam shows respect, but does so without
regard to or acknowledgement of marital status. In the case of
spinsters and widows, it's probably best NOT to use any inferences to
marriage, and in other cases, it just common courtesy. 

I also speculate that many women regardless of marital status, feel
uncomfortable being addressed as 'Madam' because it implies a certain
formality as well as age. You know you're getting old when you cross
the threshold between 'Miss Jones' and 'Madam Jones'.

Just a thought.

bboy_mn