Lady-in-waiting

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A lady-in-waiting (alternatively written lady in waiting) or court lady is a female personal assistant at a court, attending on a royal woman or a high-ranking noblewoman. Historically, in Europe, a lady-in-waiting was often a noblewoman but of lower rank than the woman to whom she attended. Although she may or may not have received financial or other compensation for her service, a lady-in-waiting was considered more of a secretary, courtier, or companion to her mistress than a servant. In some other parts of the world, the lady-in-waiting, often referred to as palace woman, was in practice a servant or a slave rather than a high-ranking woman, but still had the same role, functioning as companion or secretary to her mistress. In courts where polygamy was practiced, a court lady might have been formally available to the monarch for sexual services, and she could become his wife, consort, courtesan, or concubine. Lady-in-waiting or court lady is often a generic term for women whose relative...

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