abigail

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Translations 1.4 References

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

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

[edit] Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ˈabɪgeɪl/

[edit] Noun

abigail (plural abigails)

1. (obsolete) A lady’s waiting-maid.
   • 1749, Henry Fielding, Tom Jones, Folio Society 1973, p. 415:

     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.

[edit] Translations

[edit] References

• abigail in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
• abigail in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913