maidenhair

[Eng. maiden, and hair. ] Botany: 1. Adiantum capillus veneris , and the genus Adiantum. The former has many spreading capillary branches (whence the English name), a three to four pinnate frond, with the pinnules cuneate, lobed, crenate, glabrous. It is rare in Britain, but is found in this country, in continental Europe, Asia, Africa, and Polynesia. [ADIANTUM.] "June is drawn in a mantle of dark gra green, upon his head a garland of bent, king's-cup, and maidenhair ." -Peacham: On Drawing . 2. Pa iflora adiantum. maidenhair-gra , s. Bot.: Briza media. maidenhair-tree, s. Bot .: Salisburia adiantifolia , a Japanese tree. maid-en-head, maid-en-hood, *meid-en-hed, *meid-en-hede, *maid-en-hode, s. [A. S. mag denhád .] 1. The quality or state of being a maiden or vir gin; virginity. 2. The hymen or virginal membrane. *3. Newne , freshne . "If that the devil and mischance look big Upon the maidenhead of our affairs" Shakesp.: Henry IV., Pt . I. , iv. 1. *4. The head of the Virgin Mary. The word in this sense is only found as a tavern sign. ( Eng .) maid-en-like, a. [Eng. maiden; -like.] Like a maid or virgin; maidenly, modest.