Definition

Noun: A female domestic servant whose specific role is to personally attend to the needs of her female employer, typically involving dressing, grooming, and wardrobe care.

Usage

The term refers to a specific, personal servant role within a household, historically common in upper-class or aristocratic homes. It is a compound noun.

Examples

• In the 19th-century novel, the lady's maid was responsible for styling her mistress's hair each morning.
• The position of lady's maid required discretion, skill in sewing, and knowledge of fashion.
• She traveled with her lady's maid, who unpacked her trunks and prepared her evening gown.

Advanced Usage

• The role is often contrasted with that of a housemaid, who performed general cleaning duties, whereas a lady's maid had a more personal and specialized function.
• The relationship between a lady and her lady's maid could be one of great familiarity and trust.

Variants and Related Words

• Maid: A more general term for a female domestic servant.
• Personal attendant: A broader, gender-neutral term for someone performing similar personal services.
• Valet: The male equivalent, a personal attendant to a gentleman.

Synonyms

• Personal maid
• Lady's attendant

Notes

This is a historical occupational term. In contemporary contexts, the role is largely obsolete, though similar personal service roles exist (e.g., personal assistant, wardrobe stylist). The term is often encountered in historical fiction, biographies, and period dramas.

Noun

1. a maid who is a lady's personal attendant