Romeo and Juliet 3.2 Word Nerd: "maidenhood"

The transcript explores the historical and linguistic evolution of the term 'maid'. Initially, it referred to a young, unmarried female, and later extended to domestic servants. The term 'old maid' described older unmarried women. The word 'maid' originates from a German term for a virgin, applicable to both sexes, as used by Shakespeare in reference to Juliet and Romeo.

What was the primary historical meaning of the term 'maid'?

• A married woman

• An older woman

• A young, unmarried female

• A domestic servant

What does the term 'old maid' refer to?

• A married woman

• A domestic servant

• A young, unmarried female

• An older woman who has never been married

Why were many domestic servants historically referred to as maids?

• They were men

• They were older women

• They were always married women

• They were often young, unmarried women

From which language does the word 'maid' originate, and what did it originally mean?

• French, meaning a young girl

• Latin, meaning a servant

• Spanish, meaning a housekeeper

• German, meaning a virgin of either sex

In Shakespeare's usage, to whom does the term 'maidenhood' refer?

• Juliet and her mother

• Juliet and her nurse

• Romeo and his friend

• Juliet and Romeo