abigail

Definition

A lady's maid.

Etymology

From the name Abigail, as given to a waiting-maid in Beaumont and Fletcher's play The Scornful Lady.

Example Sentences

• "It was therefore concluded that the Abigails should, by turns, relieve each other on one of his lordship’s horses, which was presently equipped with a side-saddle for that purpose."
• "In the servants’ hall two coachmen and three gentlemen’s gentlemen stood or sat round the fire; the abigails, I suppose, were upstairs with their mistresses; the new servants, that had been hired from Millcote, were bustling about everywhere."