damsels
/ˈdæmzəlz/
NOUN
1. Young women of noble birth
Plural of damsel; young women, traditionally of noble or aristocratic birth, often depicted in historical stories, romances, and fairy tales.
1.1. Young women in historical or literary settings
Refers to young women portrayed in medieval tales, romantic stories, or traditional narratives, particularly those of noble birth.
Synonyms
- demoiselles
- maidens
- ingenues
- debutantes
- colleens
- lasses
- lassies
Examples
- The medieval tapestry depicted a group of knights coming to the aid of distressed damsels.
- The enchanted forest was home to many mythical creatures, including ethereal damsels.
Related Words
- ladies
- noblewomen
- princesses
- girls
- young women
- maidens
- debutantes
1.2. Unmarried young women
Refers to young women who are not married, sometimes emphasizing maidenhood or lack of sexual experience.
Synonyms
- maidens
- misses
- mademoiselles
- mesdemoiselles
- demoiselles
- virgins
Examples
- The prince vowed to protect the kingdom and its damsels from any looming threat.
Related Words
- unmarried women
- maidens
- bachelorettes
- debutantes
- young women
1.3. Female attendants or ladies-in-waiting
Refers to young women serving or attending noblewomen or other women of high social standing.
Synonyms
Related Words
- ladies-in-waiting
- maids-in-waiting
- handmaidens
- attendants
- maidservants
- chambermaids