vestal virgin

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of vestal virgin¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

Four or five hours ago she had entered that car as "free from the trammels of passion" as a vestal virgin.

From Project Gutenberg

Her full, gentle figure had the charm of the vestal virgin and the wife.

From Project Gutenberg

Their mother was a vestal virgin,—that is, she was a maiden who tended the sacred fire in the temple of the goddess Vesta.

From Project Gutenberg

From the marble and fresco decorations found here, these rooms were most probably the apartment of the High Vestal Virgin.

From Project Gutenberg

"Many thanks," drawled the vestal virgin, who was still looking into her coffee cup.

From Project Gutenberg