maidservant
/'meid,sə:vənt/
Học thuậtThân thiện
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.