Maidenhead: meaning, definitions and examples
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maidenhead
[ ˈmeɪdənˌhɛd ]
historical term
The term 'maidenhead' historically refers to a woman's virginity or the state of being unmarried. It is often used in literary contexts to imply innocence or purity.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Her maidenhead was the subject of many courtly suitors.
- In historic literature, losing one's maidenhead was considered a significant event.
- The concept of maidenhead is often romanticized in old tales.
nautical term
In nautical terms, 'maidenhead' can refer to the original or first part of a ship that is launched, denoting its first journey at sea.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The ship's maidenhead was celebrated with a grand ceremony.
- After fitting, the maidenhead of the vessel was finally revealed.
- Her maidenhead voyage was a significant milestone for the crew.
Translations
Translations of the word "maidenhead" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cabeça de donzela
🇮🇳 कन्या का सिर
🇩🇪 Jungfrauenkopf
🇮🇩 kepala perawan
🇺🇦 голова незайманки
🇵🇱 głowa panny
🇯🇵 処女の頭
🇫🇷 tête de vierge
🇪🇸 cabeza de doncella
🇹🇷 bakire başı
🇰🇷 처녀의 머리
🇸🇦 رأس العذراء
🇨🇿 hlava panny
🇸🇰 hlava panny
🇨🇳 处女头
🇸🇮 glava device
🇮🇸 meyjarhöfuð
🇰🇿 қызының басы
🇬🇪 კანონის თავი
🇦🇿 bakir başı
🇲🇽 cabeza de doncella
Etymology
The word 'maidenhead' originates from Old English, where 'maiden' means 'young woman' or 'virgin', and 'head' in this context signifies the condition of being. This term has roots in the idea that maidenhood is a precious state that should be preserved until marriage. Historically, maidenhead was associated with societal concepts of purity and worth, especially in the context of marriageability. Its usage in literature can often be traced back to medieval texts where the implications of virginity were tied to a woman's value in the patriarchal society of the time. The term has largely fallen out of use in modern vernacular but can still be found in historical discussions or literary analysis.