damsel

[ dam-zuhl ]

noun

, Literary.

1. a young woman or girl; a maiden, originally one of gentle or noble birth.

damsel

/ ˈdæmzəl /

noun

1. archaic.
   a young unmarried woman; maiden

Word History and Origins

Origin of damsel¹

1150–1200; Middle English damisel < Anglo-French ( Old French damoisele ) < Vulgar Latin *dominicella, equivalent to Latin domin ( a ) lady ( dame ) + -i- -i- + -cella feminine diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of damsel¹

C13: from Old French damoisele, from Vulgar Latin domnicella (unattested) young lady, from Latin domina mistress; see dame

Example Sentences

The idea that the sheriff is a gentle helper of damsels in distress, rather than some sort of code enforcer.

From Salon

See recent attempts by Disney to broaden the scope of its Marvel and Star Wars franchises, or Nintendo this month transforming its popular damsel in distress Princess Zelda into a hero.

From Los Angeles Times

“Taylor often played the part of a damsel in distress or an overlooked romantic interest using theatrical costuming,” writes Sarah Chapelle in “Taylor Swift Style” — out Oct.

From Los Angeles Times

Above us swallows dart through the air, Graeme takes a picture of a damsel fly and the brook to our side continues to babble.

From BBC

Her performance adds an additional layer of mystery in that it is never quite clear whether she is a manipulative femme fatale, a damsel in distress or a woman just trying to figure herself out.

From Los Angeles Times