What is "merchantwoman"

Usage examples of "merchantwoman".

My mother—Anasage— also had an elder sister, Rashalleila by name, who had become a successful merchantwoman on her own thanks to a start given her by Anasage's since-deceased ex-husband.

My mother-Anasage also had an elder sister, Rashalleila by name, who had become a successful merchantwoman on her own thanks to a start given her by Anasage's since-deceased ex-husband.