Elaine Stritch

The closer a part is to you, the harder it is to play. Anything else is just imitation. If I'm playing a Russian countess, I get the hat, the accent, the outrageousness. Easy. Playing a murderess? Perfect.

American Actress

Katherine Helmond

A director recommended me for the role on 'Soap.' They said, 'She plays heavy roles, murderesses and the like.' He said, 'On stage, she could be very very funny.

Used only for female killers; 'murderer' is gender-neutral or used for males.

Gender-Specific

Common in legal situations describing a woman who has unlawfully taken a life.

Legal Context

It's an old-fashioned term, less common in modern language, and may carry historical tones.

Historical Usage

 if she was stalking prey murderess she can hear honey making that growling warning sound that she's telling her cubs this is dangerous

Murderess