[WAITING ppl. a.] A superior female servant in personal attendance on a lady.
1561. T. Norton, Calvin’s Inst., II. iii. § 7. 20 b. Will dothe accompanie it [sc. Grace] and not leade it, as a waytinge maide after it & not a forgoer.
a. 1623. Fletcher, Love’s Cure, II. ii. A Ribbon or a Glove. Cla. Nay those are tokens for a waiting-maid To trim the Butler with.
1741. Richardson, Pamela, II. 59. Here is Mr. B—, with such and such an Estate, has married his Mother’s Waiting-maid.
1875. W. S. Hayward, Love agst. World, 76. ’Milady is very generous,’ said the waiting-maid.
