SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Bill Cosby’s wife answered questions under oath for lawyers in a Massachusetts defamation lawsuit brought against him by seven women who say he sexually assaulted them decades ago, and she will answer more questions next month.

The deposition by Camille Cosby on Monday is believed to be the first she has given since dozens of women came forward to accuse her husband of sexual assault. The session took place under heavy security at the Springfield Marriott.

She will continue the deposition on March 14. The location hasn’t been determined.

Camille Cosby and her lawyers met with lawyers for the seven women suing her husband for about seven or eight hours.

The women allege Cosby defamed them by branding them liars after they went public with their sexual-assault allegations. Cosby denied the allegations and filed a countersuit.

Joseph Cammarata, a lawyer for the women, wouldn’t characterize his questions to Camille Cosby, but he said she was in a unique position to know a lot about Bill Cosby because she has been married to him for 52 years and has been his business manager.

The plaintiffs in the defamation case are among about 50 who have accused Bill Cosby of sexual misconduct.