grass widow
English
Etymology
Grass perhaps relates to casual bedding.[1] Compare Dutch grasweduwe, Swedish gräsänka, German Strohwitwe.
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 95: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "UK" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˈɡɹɑːs ˌwɪdəʊ/
Noun
grass widow (plural grass widows)
- An unmarried woman who has lived with several different men; a former mistress. [from 16th c.]
- A married woman whose spouse is away. [from 19th c.]
- 1974, GB Edwards, The Book of Ebenezer Le Page, New York 2007, p. 226:
- I was disappointed when it was her who opened the door and said, ‘Ah, I had a feeling you were thinking about me! Come in, come in, do! I am a grass widow.’
- 1974, GB Edwards, The Book of Ebenezer Le Page, New York 2007, p. 226:
Derived terms
Translations
woman whose husband is away
|
References
- ^ Douglas Harper (2001–2024) “grass widow”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.
- W. Martin with G[uy] A. J. Tops, et al. (1998) Van Dale Groot Woordenboek Engels–Nederlands [Van Dale Great Dictionary, English–Dutch], 3rd edition, volume I, Utrecht, Antwerp: Van Dale Lexicografie, →ISBN.