virginal
virginal¹
Definition
vir·ginal (-jə nəl)
adjective
- of, characteristic of, or proper to a virgin; maidenly
- remaining in a state of virginity
- pure; fresh; untouched; unsullied
- Zool. not fertilized
Etymology: OFr < L virginalis
virginal²
Definition
vir·ginal (-jə nəl)
noun
a harpsichord; esp., a small, rectangular harpsichord of the 16th cent., placed on a table or held in the lap to be played
Etymology: prob. akin to virginal: reason for name obscure
virginal
Usage Examples
Preposition: of
- century: The paper will discuss both of the instruments, and show the similarities and differences to the dated English virginals of the mid-seventeenth century.
Adjective modifier
- English: The paper will discuss both of the instruments, and show the similarities and differences to the dated English virginals of the mid-seventeenth century.
Modifies a noun
- conception: First, we are of course speak ing of the virginal conception of Jesus, not, strictly, of the " virgin birth.
- white: The blond haired actress represents the woman of Harry's dreams, beautiful, young, ageless and dressed in virginal white.
- purity: Trinity Bards and Oxford Reviewers by Richard Schulze; A lament for the lack of virginal purity among Byron Society lags.
- woman: Neither of these virginal women feature directly in this story, yet their shadow is strongly felt in it.
- state: Breaking the bread was seen as the breaking of the bride's virginal state and to assert his dominance over her.
- womb: The Spirit that sanctified the human nature of Jesus in Mary's virginal womb ( cf.
Modifying Another Word
- not: The birth of Isaac, although not virginal, provides some clue to the unique supernatural character of Jesus ' birth.
Browse dictionary entries near virginal
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