donzel

[ don-zuhl ]

noun

, Archaic.

1. a young gentleman not yet knighted; squire; page.

Word History and Origins

Origin of donzel¹

1585–95; < Italian donzello < Old Provençal donzel < Vulgar Latin *dom ( i ) nicellus, equivalent to Latin domin ( us ) lord + -cellus diminutive suffix; damsel

Example Sentences

Damsel or Damoiseau (in Italian, donzel; in Latin, domisellus); one of the gallant youths domiciled in the maison du roi.

From Project Gutenberg

Before dinner there arrives a donzel, with an ivory horn adorned with four gold bands and rich jewels.

From Project Gutenberg

But I, donzel, wear the spurs of knighthood, and to succour the distressed is a duty my oath will not let me swerve from.

From Project Gutenberg