Definition

Noun: A female domestic worker; a woman or girl employed to perform household tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and serving, typically within a private residence.

Usage

The word "maidservant" is a somewhat dated or formal term. It specifically denotes a female servant whose work is within a household. It is less common in modern everyday English, where terms like "housekeeper," "cleaner," or "domestic worker" are often preferred.

Examples

• In historical novels, the maidservant often overhears important conversations.
• The wealthy family employed a maidservant to manage the daily chores.
• She worked as a maidservant in the manor house.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in service as a maidservant": This phrase describes the state or occupation of working as a maidservant.
  • In the 19th century, many young women from the countryside were in service as maidservants in London.

Variants and Related Words

• Maid (n): A more common, shortened form of "maidservant." It can also refer more generally to a young unmarried woman or, in modern contexts, a hotel housekeeper.
• Housemaid (n): A very close synonym, emphasizing work within a house.
• Servant (n): The general term for a person who performs duties for others, especially in a household.

Synonyms

• Domestic
• Housemaid
• Maid
• Servant

Antonyms

• Employer
• Mistress (of the house)
• Master (of the house)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Between maid" (historical): A junior maidservant who assisted both the cook and the housemaid.
  • She started her career as a between maid before becoming a lady's maid.

Noun

1. a female domestic