Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Handmaiden: meaning, definitions and examples

💁‍♀️
Add to dictionary

handmaiden

 

[ˈhændˌmeɪ.dən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

servant role

A handmaiden is a female servant or attendant, particularly one who is responsible for personal tasks or duties for a lady of higher social standing. Historically, handmaidens played significant roles in royal courts, serving noblewomen and queens in various capacities. They were often responsible for the clothing, grooming, and overall care of their mistresses, and their roles may have included running errands or assisting in social activities. The term evokes a sense of loyalty and subservience, often associated with women in positions that serve others.

Synonyms

attendant, maid, servant, subordinate.

Examples of usage

  • The queen's handmaiden helped her get ready for the royal ball.
  • In the historical drama, the handmaidens shared secrets in the shadows of the palace.
  • She was proud to be the handmaiden of a powerful lady.
  • The story depicted the life struggles of a handmaiden in a patriarchal society.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English 'handmaiden,' where 'hand' signifies service and 'maiden' refers to a young girl or woman.
  • Historically, it was used to describe a female servant, and its meaning evolved to represent a woman who assists someone of higher status.

Literature

  • In literature, handmaidens often embody loyalty and service, appearing in historical novels and stories about royalty.
  • The term gained modern prominence through works like Margaret Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale,' which explores themes of oppression and control.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, handmaidens have been viewed as both helpers and symbols of feminine virtues such as loyalty, modesty, and servitude.
  • Historically, the role of a handmaiden often came with strict societal expectations and limited personal freedom, reflecting broader gender roles.

Historical Context

  • During medieval times, handmaidens often served queens and noblewomen, playing important roles in royal households.
  • In some societies, handmaidens could achieve a level of influence for their close proximity to power, despite their subservient titles.

Modern Usage

  • Today, the term is sometimes used metaphorically to describe women who serve or assist in more modern contexts, such as politics or business.
  • In contemporary discussions, it can also refer to women's rights and roles, highlighting the distinction between service and autonomy.

Translations

Translations of the word "handmaiden" in other languages:

🇵🇹 serva

🇮🇳 दासी

🇩🇪 Magd

🇮🇩 pelayan

🇺🇦 дослужниця

🇵🇱 służebnica

🇯🇵 女中

🇫🇷 servante

🇪🇸 sirvienta

🇹🇷 yeni hizmetçi

🇰🇷 하녀

🇸🇦 خادمة

🇨🇿 služebná

🇸🇰 služobnica

🇨🇳 女仆

🇸🇮 služkinja

🇮🇸 þjónustustúlka

🇰🇿 қызметші

🇬🇪 მსახური

🇦🇿 xidmətçi

🇲🇽 sirvienta

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,167 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.