noun
maidenhead
MAY-dn-hed/ˈmeɪdnhed/
The state of never having had sexual intercourse, especially of a woman.
The woman discusses her maidenhead while giving a confidential personal history.
Etymology
The pieces literally express the condition of being a maiden, specifically virginity. The ending serves the same purpose as -hood in words naming a state of life.
In context
the madam Mother Douglas is praised for her ability to supply virgins: “Her skill was such, that a Maidenhead was always ready to be produced at the shortest Notice;
More examples
- The poem treats maidenhead as a symbol of innocence.
- She loses her maidenhead to the man she later marries.
- The historian explains why families once placed such importance on maidenhead.
Forms
maidenhead
maiden noun — A young woman who has not married.
Similar words
- virginity
- The standard modern term, without an old-fashioned literary tone.