grass-widow
Definition
- Noun:
- A woman who is separated from her husband: "grass-widow" refers to a woman whose husband is temporarily absent, often due to work or travel, or who has been divorced or separated from her husband.
- Historical usage: Originally, it denoted a woman who had an illegitimate child or who lived apart from her husband, but in modern usage it typically implies temporary separation rather than permanent abandonment.
Usage Examples
- (A woman left alone due to her husband's work assignment.)
- (A woman separated from her husband by divorce.)
Advanced Usage
- "Grass-widow" as a social status: The term can carry a slightly outdated or informal tone, and is less common in contemporary language, where "separated wife" or "divorced woman" is more typical.
- In the 19th century, a grass-widow was often viewed with suspicion by her community. (Historical context of social stigma.)
Variants and Related Words
- Grass-widower (n): The male equivalent — a man separated from his wife.
- He was a grass-widower while his wife attended a conference abroad. (A man left alone due to his wife's absence.)
Synonyms
- Separated wife: a woman who lives apart from her husband but is not divorced.
- Divorcée: a woman who has been divorced.
- Deserted wife: a woman left by her husband (often implies abandonment).
Related Idioms
- Widow's weeds: black mourning clothes worn by a widow; not directly related but shares the "widow" root.
- Grass widow's walk: a historical term for a woman's lonely vigil while her husband was away at sea or on business.