(d.1080), English noblewoman, wife of Leofric, Earl of Mercia. According to a 13th-century legend, she agreed to her husband's proposition that he would reduce unpopular taxes only if she rode naked on horseback through the marketplace of Coventry. According to later versions of the story, all the townspeople refrained from watching, except for peeping Tom, who was struck blind as a punishment.
Definition of Godiva, Lady in US English:
Godiva, Lady
proper nounɡəˈdīvə
(died 1080), English noblewoman; wife of Leofric, Earl of Mercia. According to legend, she agreed to her husband's proposition that he would reduce unpopular taxes only if she rode naked on horseback through Coventry's marketplace. According to later versions of the story, nobody watched except peeping Tom, who was struck blind in punishment.