English edit

Etymology edit

From Middle English maidenly, equivalent to maiden +‎ -ly.

Adjective edit

maidenly (comparative more maidenly, superlative most maidenly)

  1. Of or pertaining to a maiden.
  2. Suitable for, or befitting a maiden; gentle; modest; pure; shy.
    • 1868-69, Louisa May Alcott, chapter 21, in Little Women[1]:
      “I’ll try, but it was a very ungentlemanly thing to do, I didn’t think you could be so sly and malicious, Laurie,” replied Meg, trying to hide her maidenly confusion under a gravely reproachful air.

Antonyms edit

Related terms edit

Translations edit

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Anagrams edit