arch. or dial. = BRIDEMAID, BRIDESMAID. Hence Bridesmaidenship sb.
1808. Scott, Lochinvar, vi. The bridemaidens whispered ‘’Twere better by far.’
1824. Miss Mitford, Village, Ser. I. (1863), 239. The bride-maidens were only less smart than the bride.
1839. Bailey, Festus (1854), 300. The stars Were her immortal bridemaidens.
1884. E. Simcox, in 19th Cent., June, 1047. Afternoon tea and counsels based on the widest experience of bridesmaidenship.
