Laundress: meaning, definitions and examples
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laundress
[ ˈlɔːndrɪs ]
occupation, historical
A laundress is a person whose job is to wash and care for laundry, typically for others. Historically, laundresses played a vital role in households and establishments, providing washing services that were essential before the advent of modern washing machines. They often washed clothing, linens, and other fabrics by hand or using rudimentary tools. The term is mostly used in historical contexts or to refer to women working in laundry services.
Synonyms
laundry maid, laundry worker, washerwoman.
Examples of usage
- The laundress spent her days scrubbing clothes in the river.
- In the 19th century, many households employed a laundress to manage their laundry.
- The laundress carefully folded the freshly washed linens.
Translations
Translations of the word "laundress" in other languages:
🇵🇹 lavadeira
🇮🇳 धोबी
🇩🇪 Wäscherin
🇮🇩 pencuci
🇺🇦 прачка
🇵🇱 praczka
🇯🇵 洗濯婦
🇫🇷 blanchisseuse
🇪🇸 lavandera
🇹🇷 çamaşır yıkayıcı
🇰🇷 세탁부
🇸🇦 غسالة
🇨🇿 prádelnice
🇸🇰 práčka
🇨🇳 洗衣女工
🇸🇮 perica
🇮🇸 þvottakona
🇰🇿 жуғыш
🇬🇪 მრეცხავი
🇦🇿 paltar yuyan
🇲🇽 lavandera
Etymology
The term 'laundress' comes from the Old French word 'laveure,' which means 'washerwoman.' It is derived from the Latin word 'lavare,' meaning 'to wash.' The profession of laundress has been around for centuries, as the need for clean clothes has always been a part of human life. In the past, it was common for families or businesses to employ laundresses to handle the labor-intensive task of washing soiled garments. This was especially true before the invention of washing machines, when laundry was done by hand, often using rivers or large tubs. Over time, the role of the laundress has diminished with advancements in technology, but it is still a recognized occupation in many places, especially in commercial laundry services.