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vestal virgin

/ˈvɛstəl ˈvɜːdʒɪn/

1 entry

phrase

/ˈvɛstəl ˈvɜːdʒɪn/C1formal
  • ruОтсылка к жрицам Весты в Древнем Риме, давшим обет целомудрия; используется в переносном смысле для описания целомудренной, чистой или незамужней женщины, часто с оттенком нетронутости или девственности.

A reference to the priestesses of Vesta in ancient Rome who were sworn to chastity; used figuratively to describe a woman who is chaste, pure, or unmarried, often with an implication of being untouched or virginal.

  1. Ancient Roman PriestessC1formal

    A priestess of the Roman goddess Vesta, responsible for maintaining the sacred fire in her temple and bound by a vow of chastity.

    ruВесталка

    • The Vestal Virgins were highly respected in ancient Rome.
    • Only a Vestal Virgin could tend the sacred flame.
    • Breaking her vow of chastity was a severe crime for a Vestal Virgin.
  2. Chaste or Pure WomanC2formal

    A literary or figurative term for a woman who is chaste, pure, or celibate.

    ruЦеломудренная или чистая женщина

    • In the novel, she was described as a vestal virgin, untouched by worldly desires.
    • The old poem praised the maiden as a vestal virgin of the forest.
    • He jokingly called his sister a vestal virgin because she never dated.