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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of vestal virgin

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

vestal virgin

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

A betrothed maiden defended by tapu was as sacred as a vestal virgin of Rome; a shrine became a Holy Place; the head of a chief something which it was sacrilege to lay hands on.

From The Long White Cloud by William Pember Reeves

She bowed to each of them, still with the vestal virgin air, and said, "Glad to know you!" to each in turn without looking at anyone.

From The Woman with the Fan by Robert Smythe Hichens

Quirinus, son of Rhea Sylvia, sometimes called Ilia, a vestal virgin, the daughter of Numitor, king of Alba Longa, was the twin brother of Remus.

From The Mysteries of All Nations Rise and Progress of Superstition, Laws Against and Trials of Witches, Ancient and Modern Delusions Together With Strange Customs, Fables, and Tales by James Grant