I think that was the point I was making, Kat.
A 'loose lady' is a term thought up by other people.
From my understanding, and don't get me wrong, I only know of the period history, not hers. But any woman who was 'freeer' in her relationships with men was termed a prostitute, and, after a long day a-trading her wares, what could be nicer except a couple of bottles of stout, a few gins, and a bit of company in the bed to stave off the lonliness: not a prostitute.
Interesting references Lyle. I had never turned much thought towards her, except to refuse to sing the song in traditional circles, but I will check them out later.B.