French maid

Definitions

A lady's maidservant of French origin, formerly considered a status symbol among wealthy households; now usually with reference to the titillating costume associated with them.

Equivalents

Examples

“Lacke turn'd to M.Iohn, mary fit reuerence, The french maid taught me manners : well I hope⟳ VVe ſhall haue a fight⟳ of the Gentleman.”

“If that is the mode in France, why ſhould it not be ſo in Spain too? Wherefore ſhall not a French maid in Spain be ſtill French?”

“Just as I once did, you have⟳ probably been cherishing for years the tender illusion that 75 per cent of the population of the land⟳ of the fleur de lys is made up of pert but immaculate French maids just longing to run⟳ your home for you in a manner of brisk perfection, with a gleaming smile⟳ and an adorable accent, garbed in a smart black uniform set⟳ off by spotless white cuffs, collar and apron. That French maid, dear friends, whom you first encountered in a Philip Barry play⟳ or a Noel Coward musical comedy, existed at that moment of discovery only in the mind⟳ of the playwright.”

CEFR level