grass widow
English
Etymology
From grass + widow. Compare Dutch grasweduwe, Swedish gräsänka, German Strohwitwe.
Pronunciation
- (UK) IPA(key): /ˈɡɹɑːs ˌwɪdəʊ/
Noun
grass widow (plural grass widows)
- An unmarried woman who has lived with several different men; a former mistress. [from 16th c.]
- A married woman whose husband is away. [from 19th c.]
- 1974, GB Edwards, The Book of Ebenezer Le Page, New York 2007, p. 226:
- I was disappointed when it was her who opened the door and said, ‘Ah, I had a feeling you were thinking about me! Come in, come in, do! I am a grass widow.’
- 1974, GB Edwards, The Book of Ebenezer Le Page, New York 2007, p. 226:
Derived terms
Translations
woman whose husband is away
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References
- W. Martin; G[uy] A. J. Tops, et al. (1998) Van Dale Groot Woordenboek Engels–Nederlands [Van Dale Great Dictionary, English–Dutch], volume I, 3rd edition, Utrecht; Antwerp: Van Dale Lexicografie, →ISBN.
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