Omniana/Volume 1/Citoyenne
7. Citoyenne.
The vile word Citizeness was coined by some of our translators in the days of the French revolution. Gower might have suggested a more allowable term.
The thirde daie she goth to plaine
With many a worthie citezaine,
And he with many a cirtezeine
ff. 13.
Citizen and Citizene might perhaps have been used upon this authority, and the analogy of hero and heroine. The word would not be worth a hint were it not for Madame Roland's writings.