[antir-heralds] [STEPS] title of Dame

[Arnora]

>Dame is reserved, it's just not listed in the tables.  Look right above 
>the beginning of the tables in the Alternate Titles List ( 
>http://heraldry.sca.org/titles.html<http://heraldry.sca.org/titles.html> ), and you will find the sentence:

>"In addition to the standard titles listed in Appendix C, the title Dame 
>may be used instead of Mistress by any female member of the Orders of 
>the Laurel, Pelican, or Chivalry."

>Ursula Georges.

Hmm. Curious. I always assumed it was reserved.

Now, since it came up and not to stir the pot or anything, but does the ability to use it as an alternate title necessarily make it reserved? I mean, it doesn't say "may ONLY be used by" nor is it clear that it IS reserved like the more common forms ie: Mistress, etc.

That might need tightening up. Course, that opens up the need to preemptively reserve hundreds of variants....

The flip side: I know of at least one Pelican who routinely goes by just "Lady". To her it is an alternate title she is entitled to use (having earned it), so she does as she thinks it is less intimidating. 

Personally I think it's a bad idea to get people using it, as it does imply rank above what one may have.

Pay no attention, I'm just playing Devils advocate over here cause it's too darn hot to go work outside in my garden!

THL Arnora Grimsdottir
Lions Blood Clerk
Grimwithshire Pursuivant