Obs. Also 4 ance·lle, 4–6 a·ncelle, 5 ancylle. [a. OFr. ancelle, ancele:—L. ANCILLA.] A maid-servant or handmaid.
c. 1365. Chaucer, A. B. C. O, Ffrom his ancille [v.r. ancelle, ancile] he made þe maistresse Of heuene & eerþe.
c. 1430. Lydg., Min. Poems, 37. Do trewe service, as ancille … Unto hir lord.
1474. Caxton, Chesse, 148. In the olde lawe the faders had dyuerse wyues and ancellis. Ibid. (1483), Gold. Leg., 151/1. She callid herself ancylle or handmayde and not lady.
c. 1500. Partenay, 6456. Glorius virgin, Mayden, moder off god, Doughter and Ancelle.
