Maam, ma'am, or Mme is a title for a woman. It is derived from the French madame (see different meanings of madame here), the equivalent of Mrs. or Ms., and literally signifying "my lady." The plural of madam in this sense is mesdames. The French madame is in turn derived from the ancient Latin mea domina meaning honored mistress of the home (domus). "Madam" may also refer to a woman who runs a brothel.