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DictionarydamselYoung woman
noun

damsel

DAM-zul/ˈdæmzl/

A young woman in old-fashioned or literary language.

The damsel steps forward from the attendants in her period dress.

In an old-fashioned hall, a young woman in period clothing steps forward from a group of attendants as the central young female figure.
Etymology
damselOld Frenchwoman of noble birth

The French word referred to a woman of noble birth; English used it especially for a young, unmarried woman. Romantic poets revived the archaic word, helping explain its literary flavor.

In context

TEDx Talks presenter10:02
we are not your victims, I am not your damsel in distress.
The Hard Stuff | Felice Davis | TEDxWashingtonCorrectionsCenterforWomen
readwithcindy presenter1:06
like, how Cinderella is supposed to be this damsel in distress
The Girlbossification of Cinderella means everyone is gay 💅 *MOVIE REACTION* (s-stepmommy?? 😳)

More examples

  • The knight rushes to help a damsel in distress.
  • The poem describes three damsels dancing beside a stream.
  • She laughs when he calls her a fair damsel.

Forms

damsel · damsels

Similar words

maiden
Maiden traditionally suggests a young woman who is unmarried.
girl
Girl is everyday language and often refers to a child.