ladies-in-waiting
Noun (plural: ladies-in-waiting): A female attendant or companion who serves a queen, princess, or other high-ranking noblewoman, typically in a royal or aristocratic household. The term refers to a woman who is "in waiting," meaning she is in attendance or on duty to assist her mistress.
- (Female attendants serving the queen during an official journey.)
- (A specific role of personal assistance in a royal court.)
- (Attendants positioned to provide support during a formal event.)
"to be a lady-in-waiting": to hold the official position of a female attendant to a royal or noblewoman.
- She was proud to be a lady-in-waiting to the duchess. (She served as a formal attendant.)
"the lady-in-waiting system": the historical or institutional practice of having such attendants in a royal court.
- The lady-in-waiting system was an essential part of court life in medieval Europe. (The tradition of employing female attendants.)
Maid-in-waiting (noun): an alternative term for a lady-in-waiting, often used interchangeably, though "maid" can imply a younger or less senior attendant.
- The maid-in-waiting helped the queen with her wardrobe. (A female attendant, similar to a lady-in-waiting.)
Gentleman-in-waiting (noun): a male attendant who serves a king or prince.
- The gentleman-in-waiting announced the arrival of the ambassador. (A male counterpart to a lady-in-waiting.)
- Attendant: a person who accompanies or serves another.
- Companion: someone who keeps company with another, often for support or friendship.
- Courtier: a person who attends a royal court, though this term is broader and includes both men and women.
"to wait on someone hand and foot": to serve someone very attentively, similar to the role of a lady-in-waiting.
- The servants waited on the queen hand and foot. (They provided complete service.)
"to be in waiting": to be on duty or ready to serve.
- The ladies-in-waiting were always in waiting during the royal procession. (They were prepared to assist at any moment.)