Procuress: meaning, definitions and examples
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procuress
[ prəˈkjʊərɪs ]
legal term
A procuress is a woman who procures or facilitates the services of prostitutes, often in a legal context. She may operate in a brothel or may be involved in trafficking, influencing the morals and legality of the activities she engages in.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The procuress managed several establishments in the area.
- She was arrested for acting as a procuress in the illegal trade.
- In many societies, the role of a procuress has been criminalized.
Etymology
The word 'procuress' has its roots in the Latin 'procurator', which means 'one who takes care of business'. This term evolved through Old French as 'procuress', denoting a woman who takes on the role of procuring or facilitating sexual activities. Historically, procuresses have occupied a controversial position in society, often linked to issues surrounding immorality and legality in the sex trade. In medieval times, procuresses were often viewed with disdain and were associated with the underbelly of society, yet they played a significant role in shaping the dynamics of sexual commerce, particularly in urban areas. The word has retained its negative connotations in modern usage, often connected to exploitation and trafficking.