English

Adjective

maidenlike ‎(comparative more maidenlike, superlative most maidenlike)

1. Like a maiden; gentle, demure.
   • 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essayes, London: Edward Blount, OCLC 946730821, II.15:

     Whereto serves this mayden-like bashfulnesse […] but to increase a desire and endeare a longing in us to vanquish, to gourmandize, and at our pleasure to dispose all this squeamish ceremonie, and all these peevish obstacles?

   • 1820, Walter Scott, The Abbot:

     But on half a minute's reflection, the damsel changed totally her attitude and manner, folded her cloak around her arms in modest and maidenlike fashion, and walked of her own accord to the presence of the great man […].

Synonyms

• maidenly

Antonyms

• unmaidenlike

Translations