maidenhood
maidenhood Lexical Profile
maidenhood Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The state or time of being a maiden or an unmarried young woman; girlhood.
"The novel chronicles the heroine's transition from carefree maidenhood to the responsibilities of married life."
The state of being a virgin, especially a female virgin; virginity.
"In medieval romances, a noblewoman's maidenhood was often portrayed as a symbol of virtue and family honor."
The earliest stage of something, characterized by freshness, unspoiled quality, or lack of prior use.
"In the maidenhood of the aviation industry, every transoceanic flight was treated as a daring expedition."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Maidenhood' and 'maidenhead' are closely related and historically interchangeable in the sense of virginity, though in modern literary usage 'maidenhood' more often emphasizes the life stage of an unmarried young woman.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'maidenhode', formed from 'maiden' (from Old English 'mægden', meaning young woman or virgin) and the suffix '-hood' denoting a state or condition.