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

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

The legal rights of a vestal virgin were set forth in detail.

From Myths of Babylonia and Assyria by Mackenzie, Donald Alexander

Three doors farther down the avenue Selah Adams sat upon the front veranda, looking like the vestal virgin of the moon.

From The Co-Citizens by Harris, Corra

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

From Romulus Makers of History by Abbott, Jacob