Maidservant: meaning, definitions and examples
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maidservant
[ ˈmeɪdˌsɜrvənt ]
domestic worker
A maidservant is typically a female servant whose primary duties involve household chores and tasks. Historically, maidservants were employed in affluent households to manage domestic affairs, such as cleaning, cooking, and laundry. They often lived in the homes of their employers. The term has evolved and may carry a historical connotation, as the role of maidservants has shifted with societal changes. In contemporary contexts, the term can sometimes be found in literature or discussions about historical domestic labor.
Synonyms
domestic worker, housekeeper, maid, servant
Examples of usage
- The maidservant prepared the meals for the family.
- In the novel, the maidservant was depicted as loyal and hardworking.
- The household employed a maidservant to assist with daily chores.
- She worked as a maidservant during her youth to support her family.
Translations
Translations of the word "maidservant" in other languages:
🇵🇹 empregada
🇮🇳 गृहिणी
🇩🇪 Dienstmädchen
🇮🇩 pembantu rumah tangga
🇺🇦 служниця
🇵🇱 służąca
🇯🇵 メイド
🇫🇷 servante
🇪🇸 sirvienta
🇹🇷 hizmetçi
🇰🇷 하녀
🇸🇦 خادمة
🇨🇿 služebná
🇸🇰 služobná
🇨🇳 女仆
🇸🇮 služkinja
🇮🇸 þjónustustúlka
🇰🇿 қызметші
🇬🇪 მსახური
🇦🇿 xidmətçi
🇲🇽 sirvienta
Etymology
The term 'maidservant' originates from the combination of 'maid' and 'servant'. The word 'maid' itself comes from the Old English 'mægden', which referred to a young woman or girl. The term has been traditionally associated with female domestic workers, particularly in upper-class households. Historical texts indicate that maidservants played a crucial role in the domestic sphere, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries, when many affluent families employed them to maintain their homes. Over time, societal changes and the evolution of labor have transformed the meaning and relevance of maidservants, with modern-day implications differing significantly from their historical counterparts. The role has mostly diminished in contemporary cultures, with a gradual shift toward hired help or professional cleaning services. Despite this, the concept remains a topic of interest in literature and discussions surrounding historical domestic employment.