maiden

The definition of a maiden is a young unmarried girl, or a virgin.

(noun)

A young virgin who has never been married is an example of a maiden.

Maiden is defined as a girl or woman (especially an older woman) who has never been married, or something attempted for the first time.

(adjective)

  1. An elderly aunt who is not married is an example of someone who would be described as a maiden aunt.
  2. The very first voyage a ship takes is an example of something that would be described as a maiden voyage.

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See maiden in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

  1. Now Rare
    1. a girl or young unmarried woman
    2. a virgin
  2. a race horse that has never won a race
  3. a device like the guillotine, formerly used in Scotland for beheading criminals
  4. Cricket an over in which no runs are scored
    in full, maiden over

Origin: ME < OE mægden, dim. < base of mægeth, maid, virgin, akin to Goth magaths, OHG magad < IE base *maghu-, youngster, unmarried > OIr macc, son, Mac-

adjective

  1. of, characteristic of, or suitable for a maiden
    1. unmarried
    2. virgin: now used only of older women
  2. inexperienced; untried; unused; new; fresh
  3. first or earliest: a maiden speech, a maiden voyage
    1. never having won a race: a maiden horse
    2. for such horses: a maiden race

See maiden in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. a. An unmarried girl or woman.
    b. A virgin.
  2. A machine resembling the guillotine, used in Scotland in the 16th and 17th centuries to behead criminals.
  3. Sports
    a. A racehorse that has never won a race.
    b. A maiden over.
adjective
  1. Of, relating to, or befitting a maiden: a maiden blush.
  2. Being an unmarried girl or woman: a maiden aunt.
  3. Being a racehorse that has never won a race.
  4. First or earliest: a maiden voyage; a maiden speech in the Senate.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old English mǽgden; see maghu- in Indo-European roots

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