vestal virgin

American  

noun

1. (in ancient Rome) one of four, later six, virgins consecrated to Vesta and to the tending of the sacred fire on her altar.

---

vestal virgin British  

noun

1. (in ancient Rome) one of the four, later six, virgin priestesses whose lives were dedicated to Vesta and to maintaining the sacred fire in her temple

---

Etymology

Origin of vestal virgin

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

The story of the vestal virgin Claudia Quinta represents one such instance.

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

His father was a "lunger," and ex-professor from the East; his mother a vestal virgin dedicated to keeping the home fires burning.

From Time Magazine Archive

That was it, the superlative excellence of the Gulab; the very quality that attracted, was the shield, the immaculate robe that clothed her and preserved her like a vestal virgin from such violation.

From Caste by Fraser, William Alexander

She seemed a vestal virgin, in her long, clinging dress of white wool, with a scarf thrown about her head and throat.

From A Village Ophelia and Other Stories by Aldrich, Anne Reeve

Rhea Silvia, the mother of Romulus, was, we repeat, a vestal virgin.

From Romulus Makers of History by Abbott, Jacob