noun / adjective
vestal
VESS-tul/vˈɛstʌl/
Relating to the virgin priestesses of Vesta.
A vestal solemnly tends the sacred hearth flame in ancient Rome.
Etymology
Vesta’s priestesses tended her sacred fire and were known as Vestal virgins. A word meaning “dedicated to Vesta” thus came to describe chastity and purity more generally.
In context
He marries a Vestal Virgin, a woman legally sworn to celibacy punishable by being buried alive because he thinks it makes for good theology.
More examples
- The vestals served Vesta, the Roman goddess of the hearth.
- Guarding the sacred fire was a central vestal duty.
- The museum displays a statue of a vestal.
Forms
vestal · vestals
Similar words
- priestess
- Refers to any female priest, not specifically one serving Vesta.