Note: Given the quasi-military character of 15th-century land disputes, the role envisaged here for herself by Margaret Paston (garrisoning and equipping a stronghold) is likely much closer to the OED's gloss ("female captain or commander") than to a mere "head of household." Modify gloss: "Female military or quasi-military commander, captain of armed men." Cp. Margaret Paston's use of 'captein' in 1469: "My lord hath mad hym on of the capteynes at Cayster of þe pepill þat shuld kepe the wetche abought the place þat no man shuld socour them if my lord departed." Davis vol.I, no. 102 (p.340). So V. Creelman, "Margaret Paston's Use of Captenesse," Notes & Queries 55.3 (2008), 275-77.