virginn.adj.
/ˈvəːdʒɪn/, U.S. /ˈvərdʒən/ A. n.figurative.1798 C. Lamb Rosamund Gray iv. 498 His temper had a sweet and noble frankness in it, which bespake him yet a virgin from the world.
1. Christian Church. An unmarried or chaste maiden or woman, distinguished for piety or steadfastness in religion, and regarded as having a special place among the members of the Christian church on account of these merits.Chiefly used with reference to early Christian times.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > church government > laity > lay functionaries > virgin > [noun]
virgina1200
a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 185 Ðar haueð..martirs and confessors and uirgines maked faier bode inne to wunien.
c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (Royal) (1981) l. 1069 Iþe feire ferreden of uirgines in heouene.
c1300 St. Thomas Becket (Laud) l. 2302 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 172 Fair was þat processioun..Of Martirs and of confessours and of virgines þer-to.
1389 in R. W. Chambers & M. Daunt Bk. London Eng. (1931) 49 Seint katerine þe gloriouse virgine & martyr.
a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) l. 8270 And she ys callede Seynt Iustyne, A martyr and an holy vyrgyne.
c1400 (?c1380) Pearl l. 1099 Þis noble cite..Watȝ sodanly ful..Of such vergyneȝ in þe same gyse Þat watȝ my blysful an-vnder croun.
a1450 St. Katherine (Richardson 44) (1884) 59 Þe wykked tyraunt..saat in hys astat and bad þat þe holy virgyn, schold be presented to hym.
a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 275 Patriarchis, prophetis, and appostillis deir, Confessouris, virgynis and martyris cleir.
c1610–15 Life Holie Modwen in C. Horstmann Lives Women Saints (1886) 92 Modwene..became the mistresse of verie many like professed and holie virgins.
1653 J. Taylor Short Relation Long Journey 11 The pious and chaste Virgin Winifrid.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. (at cited word) In the Roman Breviary, there is a particular Office for Virgins departed.
1810 E. D. Clarke Trav. Var. Countries: Pt. 1st xiii. 262 An host of saints, virgins, and bishops, whose pictures covered the walls.
1862 J. H. Burton Book-hunter iv. 326 St. Ursula and her eleven thousand virgins.
2. figurative.1526 Bible (Tyndale) 2 Cor. xi. 2 For I coupled you to one man, to make you a chaste virgen to Christ.1860 E. B. Pusey Minor Prophets 107 God regarded as a virgin, the people whom He had made holy to Himself; He so regards the soul which He has regenerated and sanctified.
a. A woman (esp. a young woman) who is, or remains, in a state of inviolate chastity; an absolutely pure maiden or maid.In early use chiefly of the Virgin Mary: cf. senses A. 4, A. 5.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > virginity > [noun] > a virgin > specifically female
virgina1350
consecrated virgin1568
sworn virgin1910
a1350 in G. L. Brook Harley Lyrics (1968) 61 When y lygge on deþes bed,..On o ledy myn hope is, moder ant virgyne.
?1435 ( J. Lydgate Minor Poems (1934) ii. 636 Alle cladde in white, in tokne off clennesse, Lyche pure virgynes as in theyre ententys.
c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) l. 4665 Voide & vacand of vices as virgyns it ware.
a1475 Visio Philiberti (Brogyntyn) in J. O. Halliwell Early Eng. Misc. (1855) 36 (MED) He dyssenddyt frome his glorie above Into a chast wombe of a wyrgene clere.
c1480 (a1400) Prol. 50 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 2 Til scho consawit godis sone.., scho beand altyme vergine chaste.
c1540 J. Bellenden tr. H. Boece Hyst. & Cron. Scotl. x. xii. f. 143v/1 He that reuisis ane virgyne (bot gyf scho desire hym in mariage) salbe heidit.
1568 in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xlvii. 58 Remember first ȝour former qualitie, And wrak na virgenis with ȝour wilfull weir.
a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) i. i. 133 I will stand for't a little, though therefore I die a Virgin . View more context for this quotation
1634 W. Tirwhyt tr. J. L. G. de Balzac Lett. 318 Nor am I ignorant that never any woman was so vicious, who hath not heretofore bin a Virgin.
1671 J. Milton Paradise Regain'd i. 138 Then [thou] toldst her doubting how these things could be To her a Virgin, that on her should come The Holy Ghost. View more context for this quotation
1737 W. Whiston tr. Josephus Antiq. Jews iii. xii, in tr. Josephus Genuine Wks. 90 Moses..permitted him [sc. the High Priest] only to marry a virgin.
1807 Med. & Physical Jrnl. 17 494 Ruysch's subject, though not a virgin, may have yet been troubled with this complaint.
1845 G. E. Day tr. J. F. Simon Animal Chem. I. 230 The venous blood of virgins gave, in 1000 parts [etc.].
b. An old maid, a spinster.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > unmarried person(s) > unmarried woman > [noun] > elderly
old maid1530
old maiden1566
pussock1622
ape-leader1652
thornback1694
spinster1719
tabby1748
virgin1759
tea-bottle1909
1759 S. Johnson Idler 21 Apr. 121 Lady Biddy Porpoise, a lethargick virgin of seventy-six.
c. transferred. Of things.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > the future or time to come > newness or novelty > [noun] > newness, freshness, or originality > something fresh or new
virgin1620
1620 J. Smith New Englands Trials sig. B4v From which blessed Virgin [i.e. the colony of Virginia]..sprung the fortunate habitation of Somer Iles.
1620 J. Smith New Englands Trials sig. B4v This Virgins sister (called New-England, An. 1616, at my humble suite..).
1749 T. Nugent Grand Tour IV. 354 They give it [sc. Peronne] the name of Virgin, because it was never taken.
1837 W. Whewell Hist. Inductive Sci. I. iv. iii. 292 In the language of the New Platonists, the number seven is said to be a virgin, and without a mother.
1897 Westm. Gaz. 18 Jan. 8/3 Similarly, in Africa, the highest mountain is still a virgin.
d. Virginity. (After 1 Corinthians 7:37.) rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > virginity > [noun]
maidenhoodOE
maidhooda1200
flowera1300
maidenheada1325
maidheada1393
virginitya1400
virgintyc1400
virginality?c1450
maidenliness1555
virginhead1605
virginhood1636
virgin1649
vestalship1893
1649 Bp. J. Taylor Great Exemplar iv. §12 S. Jerome affirms that, to be continent in the state of widowhood is harder, then to keep our virgin pure.
e. Entomology. A female insect producing fertile eggs by parthenogenesis. (Cf. sense B. 1g.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > invertebrates > phylum Arthropoda > class Insecta > subclass Pterygota > [noun] > division Exopterygota or Hemimetabola > order Phasmida > member of > female
virgin1883
1883 Imperial Dict. (and in later Dicts.).
f. transferred. A naïve, innocent, or inexperienced person. Frequently with adjective indicating sphere of activity. colloquial.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > unaffectedness or naturalness > [noun] > innocence or inexperience > person
virgin1953
1953 A. Moorehead Rum Jungle iv. 53 A new player [at two-up]..is known as a ‘virgin’.
1964 L. Deighton Funeral in Berlin xxxii. 173 He had no strong political ideas... He described himself as a ‘political virgin’.
1970 Daily Tel. 15 May (Colour Suppl.) 10/3 There was a competition..called ‘Be a Millionaire’... I was an industrial virgin in those days but friends told me to have a go. I entered and won.
1976 E. Stewart Launch! 89 ‘That's a violation of security.’ ‘Stop being a virgin. People in this town bat secrets around like ping-pong balls.’
3.
a. A young woman, a maid or maiden, of an age and character affording presumption of chastity.
ΘΚΠ
the world > people > person > young person > young woman > [noun]
daughterOE
maidenOE
young womanOE
mayc1175
burdc1225
maidc1275
wenchc1290
file1303
virginc1330
girla1375
damselc1380
young ladya1393
jilla1425
juvenclec1430
young person1438
domicellea1464
quean1488
trull1525
pulleta1533
Tib1533
kittyc1560
dell1567
gillian1573
nymph1584
winklota1586
frotion1587
yuffrouw1589
pigeon1592
tit1599
nannicock1600
muggle1608
gixy1611
infanta1611
dilla1627
tittiea1628
whimsy1631
ladykin1632
stammel1639
moggie1648
zitellaa1660
baggagea1668
miss1668
baby1684
burdie1718
demoiselle1720
queanie?1800
intombi1809
muchacha1811
jilt1816
titter1819
ragazza1827
gouge1828
craft1829
meisie1838
sheila1839
sixteenc1840
chica1843
femme1846
muffin1854
gel1857
quail1859
kitten1870
bud1880
fräulein1883
sub-debutante1887
sweet-and-twenty1887
flapper1888
jelly1889
queen1894
chick1899
pusher1902
bit of fluff1903
chicklet1905
twist and twirl1905
twist1906
head1913
sub-deb1916
tabby1916
mouse1917
tittie1918
chickie1919
wren1920
bim1922
nifty1923
quiff1923
wimp1923
bride1924
job1927
junior miss1927
hag1932
tab1932
sort1933
palone1934
brush1941
knitting1943
teenybopper1966
weeny-bopper1972
Valley Girl1982
c1330 (?c1300) Bevis of Hampton (Auch.) l. 2689 A wende, a miȝte leue namore, And ȝet him þouȝte, a virgine Him brouȝte out of al is pine.
?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1871) III. 37 Whiche commaundede also virgynes to be mariede with owte eny dowery.
c1475 (a1400) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 330 God..seiþ bi Iob þat a man shuld make couenaunt wiþ hise wittis to þenke not on a virgyne.
a1500 (?a1390) J. Mirk Festial (Gough) (1905) 16 Then was scho so meke yn all hor doyngys, þat all othyr vyrgenes called hor qwene of maydens.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 100 The wych some schold..be dystrybutyd..partely to the dote of pore damosellys & vyrgynys.
1579 S. Gosson Schoole of Abuse f. 2 The Harpies haue Virgins faces, & vulturs Talents.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) iv. vi. 38 Yong budding Virgin, faire, and fresh, & sweet, Whether away? View more context for this quotation
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1645 (1955) II. 424 Rare Pieces, especialy of Guido, Domenico, and a Virgin nam'd Isabell Sirani.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis i, in tr. Virgil Wks. 214 She seem'd a Virgin of the Spartan Blood.
1790 ‘P. Pindar’ Ode to Affectation in Rowland for Oliver 25 Say, virgin, where dost thou delight to dwell? With Maids of Honour, startful Virgin?
a1797 E. Burke Ess. Abridgm. Eng. Hist. (rev. ed.) in Wks. (1812) V. 503 Vortigern was struck with the beauty of a Saxon virgin a kinswoman of Hengist.
1806 W. Herbert Sel. Icel. Poetry i. 119 Two of the Valkyriæ or virgins of slaughter.
1841 C. Dickens Old Curiosity Shop ii. lix. 130 The beautiful virgin took another pinch [of snuff].
1871 R. Ellis tr. Catullus Poems lxiv. 87 A royal virgin, in odours silkily nestled.
b. In allusions to the parable of the wise and foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1–13).
ΚΠ
1620 T. Gataker Spirituall Watch 62 Either you are a wise Virgin or a foolish one: if a wise one, the company hath need of you; if an unwise one, you of it.
1756 tr. J. G. Keyssler Trav. I. 148 On the sides of this entrance are seen the five foolish and the five wise virgins, in stone.
1826 W. Scott Woodstock I. ii. 40 Why should'st thou not talk like one of the wise virgins?
1873 W. Carleton Farm Ballads 22 Next mornin' an ancient virgin took pains to call on us, Her lamp all trimmed and a-burnin' to kindle another fuss.
4.
a. Virgin Mary n. the mother of Christ; also, an image or picture representing her.According to the New Testament Mary was a virgin (betrothed to Joseph) who conceived Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. She has been venerated by the Catholic and Orthodox Churches from the earliest Christian times.
ΚΠ
c1350 Apocalypse St. John: A Version (Harl. 874) (1961) 38 By þe throne..is bitokned þe flesshe þat he took of þe virgine marie.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 24977 Conceiud o þe hali gast, born o þe virgine marie.
?a1425 (c1400) Mandeville's Trav. (Titus C.xvi) (1919) 1 The seyd blessed & gloriouse virgine Marie.
?c1430 (c1383) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 21 He is þe sone of þe vergyne marie.
a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) II. 991 Also the Holy Goste shewed hym the commynge of the glorius Virgyne Mary.
1533 J. Gau tr. C. Pedersen Richt Vay sig. Eviiiv Quhen the virgine Maria hard the salutatione of the angel.
1547 Certain Serm. or Homilies Obedience iii And let vs not forget the blessed virgyn Maries obedience.
1611 Bible (King James) Matt. i. (heading) Christ..was..borne of the Virgin Mary when she was espoused to Ioseph.
1655 H. Vaughan Silex Scintillans (ed. 2) Ded. (heading) Jesus Christ, The Son of the living God, and the sacred Virgin Mary.
1717 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 29 May (1965) I. 361 They shew'd me..a Picture of the Virgin Mary, drawn by the hand of St. Luke..the finest Madona of Italy is not more famous for her Miracles.
1737 R. Challoner Catholick Christian Instructed 212 Vespers or Even-song..consist of five Psalms..and the Magnificat, or Canticle of the blessed Virgin Mary, [etc.].
1776 D. Dalrymple Ann. Scotl. I. 134 He ascribed his deliverance to the Virgin Mary.
1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward I. v. 97 He wore his national bonnet..with a Virgin Mary of massive silver for a brooch.
1885 J. King Angl. Hymnol. 3 The hymn of Hannah is the prototype of the Virgin Mary's ‘Magnificat’.
b. attributive, or in possessive, in popular names of plants (see quots.). Virgin Mary's nut n. [after Gaelic use] the Bonduc or Molucca nut; Virgin Mary's honeysuckle n. the Common Lungwort, Pulmonaria officinalis.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > shrubs > non-British shrubs > [noun] > tropical > bonduc > seed of
bean of Molucca1611
Molucca bean1675
Molucca nut1696
nicker1696
Virgin Mary's nut1703
1703 M. Martin Descr. W. Islands Scotl. 39 If she would but take the White Nut, called the Virgin Maries Nut, and lay it in the Pale into which she was to milk the Cows.
1823 E. Moor Suffolk Words 456 Virgin Mary thistle, the beautiful and magnificent Carduus Benedictus, or Blessed Thistle.
1855 A. Pratt Flowering Plants & Ferns Great Brit. III. 230 Milk Thistle... This very handsome stately plant, the Virgin Mary's Thistle [etc.].
1869 Notes & Queries 4th Ser. 3 414/2 In some parts of Berkshire the spotted persicaria..is known as ‘The Virgin Mary's pinch’, from the dark thumb-like mark in the centre of its leaves.
1873 Gardeners' Chron. 26 Apr. 579/3 Pulmonaria officinalis.—This plant is known in Cheshire as Virgin Mary's Honeysuckle.
1882 G. F. Jackson Shropshire Word-bk. Virgin-Mary's-cowslip, Pulmonaria officinalis, common Lungwort.
1966 E. W. Baughman Folktales Eng. & N. Amer. 77 Lungwort..is called Virgin Mary's cowslip or Virgin Mary's honeysuckle.
c. Virgin Mary n. [after Bloody Mary n.] chiefly U.S. a glass of tomato juice (see quots.).
ΚΠ
1976 W. Goldman Magic ii. 90 Some girl wanted a Virgin Mary. The waiter nodded.
1977 J. Philips Five Roads to Death i. 11 A waitress approached the table. ‘A Virgin Mary... A Bloody Mary without the vodka.’
1981 T. Heald Murder at Moose Jaw ix. 103 Crombie ordered himself a straight tomato juice with..Worcester. The Colonel did not, Bognor noted with approval, refer to the drink as ‘a Virgin Mary’.
5.
a. the Virgin (also the blessed, holy, etc., Virgin), = sense A. 4.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > deity > Christian God > Mary > [noun]
ladyOE
queenOE
MaryOE
St MaryOE
starOE
Our LadylOE
lemana1225
maidena1225
maid Marya1225
heaven queenc1225
mothera1275
maiden Maryc1300
Star of the Seac1300
advocatrixc1390
mother-maidc1390
flower, gem, etc., of virginitya1393
the Virgina1393
mediatricea1400
paramoura1400
salver14..
advocatrice?a1430
Mother of God?a1430
way of indulgence?a1430
advocatessc1450
mother-maidenc1450
rose of Jerichoa1456
mediatrixc1475
viergec1475
addresseressa1492
fleur-de-lis?a1513
rosine?a1513
salvatrice?a1513
saviouress1563
mediatressa1602
advocatress1616
Christotokos1625
Deipara1664
V.M.1670
Madonnaa1684
the Virgin Mother1720
Panagia1776
Mater Dolorosa1800
B.V.M.1838
dispensatrixa1864
Theotokos1874
dispensatress1896
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) v. l. 1773 For be that cause the godhede Assembled was to the manhede In the virgine.
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. l. 5778 Siþen criste was born of þe Virgyne, nien score ȝere euen & nyen.
a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) l. 4370 Þis was þat Iohan saw in a vision Of hym þat semed þe virgyn son.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) i. 37 God,..that of the vyrgyn was borne in bedeleym.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection i. sig. Dii Hymselfe sayeng in the gospell: Except ye eate the flesshe of the sonne of the virgyn [etc.].
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde iii. i. f. 90v Desyringe almyghtie God and the blessed virgin to fauour his beginninges.
1623 H. Cockeram Eng. Dict. iii Valentineans, a certaine heretiques, who held opinion that our Sauiour receiued not his flesh from the blessed Virgin.
1643 J. Caryl Expos. Job (1676) I. xx. 17 And this is the food which the Virgins son our Immanuel was prophesied to eat.
1704 R. Nelson Compan. Festivals & Fasts i. vii. 75 The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin, which the Church this Day celebrates.
1756 tr. J. G. Keyssler Trav. I. 233 The church of the holy virgin at Lireyo.
1800 W. Scott Eve St. John 9 ‘Alas! Alas! Fly hence,' she cried, ‘For the holy Virgin's sake!’
1816 S. T. Coleridge Christabel i. 11 Praise we the Virgin all divine Who hath rescued thee from thy distress!
1867 J. Campbell Balmerino ii. ix. 122 A full length figure of the Virgin and Holy Child standing within a Gothic niche.
1876 G. Bancroft Hist. U.S. (rev. ed.) II. xxxiii. 329 Uttering a special prayer to the immaculate Virgin.
b. A picture or image of the Virgin Mary; a madonna.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > plastic art > statuary > [noun] > statue > Christian religious
Our Lady1459
lady1473
virgina1684
Mater Dolorosa1800
bambino1866
society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > painting and drawing > painting > painting according to subject > [noun] > religious painting > picture by subject
majestyc1450
the Visitation (of our Lady)1498
Our Lady Piety1533
annunciation1556
nativity1646
Pietàc1660
noli me tangerea1684
virgina1684
glory1708
flagellation1728
scourging1757
Mater Dolorosa1800
crucifixion1841
hortus conclusus1852
Hodegetria1880
Gethsemane1901
anastasis1995
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1646 (1955) II. 495 There are two Sacristias, in one a rare Virgin of Leonardo da Vinci, in the other, an other by Raphael.
1823 J. Galt Ringan Gilhaize I. xxv. 275 My grandfather..seized the Virgin's timber leg, and flung it with violence at them.
1840 Penny Cycl. XVII. 140/1 A most exquisite Virgin in a tabernacle in the open street at Prato.
1883 Parker's Guide to Oxford 87 The niches have been filled with the Virgin and Child [etc.].
6. A person of either sex remaining in a state of chastity. Usually in plural.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > virginity > [noun] > a virgin
maidenmaneOE
maidenOE
maida1225
virgina1393
vestal1593
virgo intacta1726
fresh meat1896
virguncule1911
cherry1928
virgie1930
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) viii. l. 52 Hou that Adam and Eve also Virgines comen bothe tuo Into the world and were aschamed.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 24685 He ledis lijf lik til angels, For uirgins all ar þai.
c1450 Alphabet of Tales (1905) II. 297 When þe Emperour Henrie and Ranegude his wyfe abade alway clene virgyns.
c1451 J. Capgrave Life St. Gilbert (1910) 107 (MED) Fro þat tyme in whech he was take fro þe world, a-non was he set a-mongis þe dauns of virgynes.
7. A youth or man who has remained in a state of chastity.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > virginity > [noun] > a virgin > specifically male
maidena1225
maidc1300
virginc1330
c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 8913 Þis Naciens..bicome prest messe to sing, Virgine of his bodi he was.
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Parson's Tale (Ellesmere) (1877) §950 Virginitee baar oure lord Ihesu crist and virgine was hym selue.
a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail xxxix. l. 559 A virgyne Evere schal he be alle dayes Of his lyve Certeinle.
a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) II. 1025 Thou [sc. Sir Galahad] arte a clene virgyne above all knyghtes.
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. ccxiiii. f. xxxiiiiv This kynge Edwarde lafte after hym no childe, For he was accompted for a Uirgyn whan he dyed.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iii. xvi. 101 These Calenders..say themselues to be virgins.
1613 J. Hayward Liues III. Normans 296 It is certaine also that Anselme, the most earnest enforcer of single life, died not a Virgine.
1653 H. Cogan tr. N. N. Scarlet Gown 14 It is held for certain, by them which know him, that he is still a Virgin.
1700 J. Tyrrell Gen. Hist. Eng. II. 785 He was reputed a Pure Virgin.
1847 tr. Bacci's Life St. Philip Neri ii. xiii. 253 A famous harlot,..having heard it said that Philip was a virgin,..audaciously boasted that she would cause him to fall.
1880 A. I. Ritchie Church St. Baldred 49 King Malcolm [IV] is universally said to have died a virgin.
8. Astronomy. (With capital initial.) = Virgo n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the universe > constellation > zodiacal constellation > [noun] > Virgo
Virgoa1000
virgin1493
the world > the universe > celestial sphere > zone of celestial sphere > particular signs > [noun] > Virgo
Virgoa1000
maida1387
virgin1493
1493 Chastysing Goddes Chyldern (de Worde) iv. sig. Aiv/2 Whan the sonne in tyme of yere begynneth to wythdrawe dounwarde thenne reigneth he in a planete that we call Virgyne.
a1500 R. Henryson tr. Æsop Fables: Fox & Wolf l. 640 in Poems (1981) 28 Mercurius, the god off eloquence, Into the Virgyn maid his residence.
1517 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (1928) xliv. 219 Tyll peace and mercy made ryght to enclyne Out the lyon to entre the vyrgyne.
1575 J. Rolland Treat. Court Venus Prol. sig. Aijv The Virgin, Libra, and the Scorpion.
1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene v. i. sig. M7v The Virgin, sixt in her degree. View more context for this quotation
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost x. 676 Thence down amaine By Leo and the Virgin and the Scales, As deep as Capricorne. View more context for this quotation
1697 T. Creech tr. Manilius Five Bks. ii. xxviii. 70 The Twins Urn Virgin force his Sign to bend By Nature's Law.
1730 J. Thomson Autumn in Seasons 126 When the bright Virgin gives the beauteous days, And Libra weighs in equal scales the year.
1769 W. Falconer Shipwreck (ed. 3) i. 10 Now, in the southern hemisphere, the sun Thro' the bright virgin and the scales had run.
1868 W. Lockyer & J. N. Lockyer tr. A. Guillemin Heavens (ed. 3) 326 The Virgin and Boötes are, with the Lion, the most important constellations in view.
9.
a. elliptical. Applied to varieties of apple and pear.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular food plant or plant product > particular types of fruit > [noun] > pear > other types of
calewey1377
honey peara1400
pome-pear1440
pome-wardena1513
choke-pear1530
muscadel1555
worry pear1562
lording1573
bon-chrétienc1575
Burgundian pear1578
king pear1585
pound pear1585
poppering1597
wood of Jerusalem1597
muscadine1598
amiot1600
bergamot1600
butter pear1600
dew-pear1600
greening1600
mollart1600
roset1600
wax pear1600
bottle pear1601
gourd-pear1601
Venerian pear1601
musk pear1611
rose pear1611
pusill1615
Christian1629
nutmeg1629
rolling pear1629
surreine1629
sweater1629
amber pear1638
Venus-pear1648
horse-pear1657
Martin1658
russet1658
rousselet1660
diego1664
frith-pear1664
maudlin1664
Messire Jean1664
primate1664
sovereign1664
spindle-pear1664
stopple-pear1664
sugar-pear1664
virgin1664
Windsor pear1664
violet-pear1666
nonsuch1674
muscat1675
burnt-cat1676
squash pear1676
rose1678
Longueville1681
maiden-heart1685
ambrette1686
vermilion1691
admiral1693
sanguinole1693
satin1693
St. Germain pear1693
pounder pear1697
vine-pear1704
amadot1706
marchioness1706
marquise1706
Margaret1707
short-neck1707
musk1708
burree1719
marquis1728
union pear1728
Doyenne pear1731
Magdalene1731
beurré1736
colmar1736
Monsieur Jean1736
muscadella1736
swan's egg1736
chaumontel1755
St Michael's pear1796
Williams1807
Marie Louise1817
seckel1817
Bartlett1828
vergaloo1828
Passe Colmar1837
glou-morceau1859
London sugar1860
snow-pear1860
Comice1866
Kieffer pear1880
sand pear1880
sandy pear1884
snowy pear1884
the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular food plant or plant product > particular types of fruit > [noun] > apple > other apples
Bretonc1390
stur1483
marigold apple1577
fritter1591
Margaret1597
critling1611
cat's-head1617
rosiar1620
rose apple1626
snouting1651
roundling1655
mayflower1664
red greening1664
seaming1664
sheep's snout1664
spicing apple1664
violet-apple1664
pomme d'api1676
rathe-ripe1677
rose1678
lady's finger1688
stone apple1736
sops-in-wine1764
stone pippin1769
Manx codlin1818
Rymer1820
Roxbury russet1826
souring1832
genet1833
tompot1836
Wagener1848
flesh and blood1853
pick-thong1871
virgin1886
Jon1931
Idared1942
1664 J. Evelyn Kalendarium Hortense 80 in Sylva Pears. The Squib-pear, Spindle-pear, Virgin.
1886 R. Holland Gloss. Words County of Chester 378 Virgins, a kind of apple.
b. Entomology. Applied to species of moths and butterflies.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > invertebrates > phylum Arthropoda > class Insecta > order Lepidoptera or butterflies and moths > [noun] > miscellaneous types > brepha parthenias
virgin1832
the world > animals > invertebrates > phylum Arthropoda > class Insecta > order Lepidoptera or butterflies and moths > [noun] > miscellaneous types > triphaena innuba
virgin1832
1832 J. Rennie Conspectus Butterflies & Moths Brit. 49 The Virgin (Triphæna Innuba.) Wings two inches to two inches one-third, of uniform colour.
1832 J. Rennie Conspectus Butterflies & Moths Brit. 100 The Virgin (Brepha Parthenias) appears the end of March.
10. A cigarette made of Virginia tobacco. slang. Now Obsolete or rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > use of drugs and poison > tobacco > smoking > articles or materials used in smoking > [noun] > thing which may be smoked > cigarette > other types of cigarette
Russian cigarette1851
papirosa1856
Egyptian1892
Russian1892
tickler1904
joystick1911
gyppy1920
king-size1920
Sobranie1923
virgin1923
Turk1926
roll-your-own1932
ready roll1949
roll-up1950
filter1956
filterless1956
rollie1964
Virginia1964
untipped1968
primo1986
1923 J. Manchon Le Slang 329.
1935 C. Brooks Frame-up iv. 34 You gave me a virgin; I hadn't smoked one for nearly a fortnight.
1940 R. Graves & A. Hodge Long Week-end iii. 43 In the early Twenties..in offering a cigarette-case one would say, ‘I hope you don't mind: it's only a Virgin.’
B. adj.
1.
a. Of persons (usually of the female sex): being a virgin or virgins; remaining in a state of chastity. Virgin Queen, a name for Queen Elizabeth I of England.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > virginity > [adjective] > virginal
unknowna1382
maidena1400
untouchedc1400
undefiledc1450
virginal1483
indeflore?a1513
maidenly1530
undeflowereda1533
virginly1548
untwight1558
virgin1560
unravished1563
undeflore1568
unexperta1586
virgin-like1586
vestal1595
virgineous1607
virginian1613
unseduceda1616
indevirginate?1624
zoned1726
virgie1930
unlaid1962
1560 Bible (Geneva) Jer. xiv. 17 For ye virgine daughter of my people is destroyed..with a sore grieuous plague.
1600 W. Shakespeare Much Ado about Nothing v. iii. 13 Pardon goddesse of the night, Those that slew thy virgin knight [sc. Hero] . View more context for this quotation
1612 J. Speed Theatre of Empire of Great Brit. i. xi. 21/1 Vrsula..with her companie of canonized Virgin-Saints.
1633 J. Ford Broken Heart Prol. sig. A4 The Virgine Sisters then deseru'd fresh bayes.
1633 J. Ford Broken Heart iii. i. sig. G1v To Virgin-wiues, such as abuse not wedlocke By freedome of desires.
1652 E. Benlowes Theophila vi. xxv. 84 Hail, blessed Virgin-Spouse, who did'st bequeath Breath unto Him, Who made Thee breathe!
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis xi, in tr. Virgil Wks. 560 The Volscians, and their Virgin Leader, wait His last Commands.
a1718 T. Parnell Hesiod 34 In such a shape..As virgin-goddesses are proud to wear.
1738 tr. S. Guazzo Art of Conversat. 45 I am, with Respect to any concern with Women, as true a Virgin-man as I came from my Mother's womb.
1786 R. Polwhele tr. Theocritus Idyllia (1792) II. 38 And still the Arabian maids have their hair inwreathed with hyacinths, like the virgin companions of Helen.
1827 R. Pollok Course of Time II. x. 255 Stars, the virgin daughters of the sky.
1834 L. Ritchie Wanderings by Seine 40 The virgin-martyr St. Honoria.
b. In predicative use. Also figurative, and const. of and to. rare.
ΚΠ
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 396 Likest she seemd..to Ceres in her Prime, Yet Virgin of Proserpina from Jove. View more context for this quotation
1850 A. Alison Hist. Europe from French Revol. (new ed.) XIV. xcvi. 218 Germany, alike virgin to revolutionary passions, and unused to revolutionary suffering, has had a firebrand tossed into its bosom.
1859 Ld. Tennyson Guinevere in Idylls of King 254 Yet not less, O Guinevere, For I was ever virgin save for thee.
c. the Virgin Mother, the Virgin Mary.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > deity > Christian God > Mary > [noun]
ladyOE
queenOE
MaryOE
St MaryOE
starOE
Our LadylOE
lemana1225
maidena1225
maid Marya1225
heaven queenc1225
mothera1275
maiden Maryc1300
Star of the Seac1300
advocatrixc1390
mother-maidc1390
flower, gem, etc., of virginitya1393
the Virgina1393
mediatricea1400
paramoura1400
salver14..
advocatrice?a1430
Mother of God?a1430
way of indulgence?a1430
advocatessc1450
mother-maidenc1450
rose of Jerichoa1456
mediatrixc1475
viergec1475
addresseressa1492
fleur-de-lis?a1513
rosine?a1513
salvatrice?a1513
saviouress1563
mediatressa1602
advocatress1616
Christotokos1625
Deipara1664
V.M.1670
Madonnaa1684
the Virgin Mother1720
Panagia1776
Mater Dolorosa1800
B.V.M.1838
dispensatrixa1864
Theotokos1874
dispensatress1896
a1711 T. Ken Sion i, in Wks. (1721) IV. 321 His Virgin-Mother had Angelick Grace.]
1720 R. Welton tr. T. Alvares de Andrade Sufferings Son of God I. x. 242 The Humble Deference of the sacred Virgin-Mother in Regard to Him, who was her Son, and her God too.
1817 W. Scott Monks of Bangor's March ii On the long procession goes,..And the Virgin-mother mild In their peaceful banner smiled.
1846 A. Marsh Father Darcy II. i. 11 I..would fain enlist every holy saint in the calendar, and implore the virgin mother herself.
1860 Ld. Tennyson Sea Dreams 234 The Virgin Mother standing with her child High up on one of those dark minster-fronts.
d. virgin widow n. a widow who has been deprived of her husband before the consummation of the marriage.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > widow or widower > [noun] > widow > types of widow
pure widowhood1427
vowess1506
king's widow1540
widow1561
Merry Widowc1567
widow mother1582
virgin widowa1644
war widow1866
a1644 Quarles (title) The Virgin Widow. A Comedie.
1700 J. Dryden Chaucer's Palamon & Arcite iii, in Fables 82 A Virgin-Widow, and a Mourning Bride.
1882 R. L. Stevenson Familiar Stud. Men & Bks. 243 Isabella, virgin-widow of our Richard II.
1887 J. Gairdner in Dict. National Biogr. IX. 291/1 On 2 April [1502]..he [Prince Arthur] died at Ludlow, and Catherine was left a virgin widow.
e. transferred. (See quots.) virgin number n. the number seven, which has no factors or multiples less than ten.
ΚΠ
a1690 S. Jeake Λογιστικηλογία (1696) 663 Seven, the old Magi called a Virgin Number, supposing the Force thereof great, as a Virgin in her full strength.
1725 R. Bradley Chomel's Dictionaire Œconomique Virgin-Vine, a Plant reckon'd by many among the sorts of Snake-Weed... 'Tis call'd the Virgin-Vine, because, if it may be so said, it is a Maid, and has hitherto brought forth nothing.
1849 R. Owen Parthenogenesis 76 The development of an Aphis in the body of a virgin parent.
1888 F. R. Cheshire Bees & Bee-keeping II. 330 The cage may be used in introducing both laying and virgin queens.
f. Of a fortress, city, etc.: that has never been taken or subdued.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > defence > defensive work(s) > [adjective] > that has never been taken
virgin1780
1780 E. Burke Speech Econ. Reform in Wks. (1826) III. 240 That household, which has been the stronghold of prodigality, the virgin fortress which was never before attacked.
1856 N. Brit. Rev. 26 103 She stands and grows and thrives, a virgin land for now eight hundred years.
1868 Chambers's Encycl. X. 186/1 Widdin..is called by the Turks the Virgin Fort, from its never having been taken.
1873 H. B. Tristram Land of Moab v. 78 Ibrahim..was never able to take Kerak, whose proud boast is that it yet remains a virgin city.
g. virgin generation, virgin procreation, virgin production or virgin reproduction: parthenogenesis.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > biology > biological processes > procreation or reproduction > types of reproduction > [noun] > others
adosculation1682
autogeny?1818
gemmation1836
parthenogenesis1849
virgin production1849
rejuvenescence1853
agamogenesis1857
monogeny1857
autogenesis1858
homogenesis1858
proliferation1864
monogenesis1866
swarming1867
paedogenesis1870
monogony1873
virginal generation1879
division1880
monogenesy1890
parthenogeny1890
anisogamy1891
isogamy1891
paragamy1891
separation1891
paedogenesis1892
parthenism1892
heterogamy1894
thelytoky1895
flagellation1898
cytogamy1899
pseudogamy1900
tychoparthenogenesis1900
syngamy1904
pseudogamy1907
ectogenesis1909
paedogamy1910
apomixis1913
progenesis1934
agamospermy1939
mixis1944
somatogamy1949
decapitation-
1849 R. Owen Parthenogenesis 28 The structures..which Reaumur..cited in order to solve the problem of the alleged virgin procreation.
1859 Todd's Cycl. Anat. & Physiol. V. 37/2 Professor Owen has given the name of Parthenogenesis, or Virgin-production, to this mode of generation.
1881 Encycl. Brit. XII. 574/2 While..Hymenoptera reproduce by the union of the two sexes, yet parthenogenesis or virgin reproduction is of not uncommon occurrence.
2. Composed or consisting of virgins.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > virginity > [adjective] > composed or consisting of virgins
virginc1595
c1595 Countess of Pembroke Psalme lxviii. 26 in Coll. Wks. (1998) II. 78 Taught by thee in this tryumphant song A virgin army did their voices try.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice iii. ii. 56 Young Alcides, when he did redeeme The virgine tribute, payed..To the Sea-monster. View more context for this quotation
1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 290 The Graces Adorn our Parks and Malls Crowned with Virgin-Garlands.
a1711 T. Ken Psyche v, in Wks. (1721) IV. 306 Psyche then left the lovely virgin-choir.
1820 J. Keats Ode to Psyche in Lamia & Other Poems 119 Though temple thou hast none,..Nor virgin-choir.
1847 R. W. Emerson Poems 8 The lover watched his graceful maid As, mid the virgin train she strayed.
1885 R. Bridges Eros & Psyche ii. xxiii. 23 And next the virgin tribe in white forth sailed.
3. Of or pertaining to a virgin; appropriate to, or characteristic of, virgins:figurative.1854 W. M. Thackeray Newcomes (1855) II. i. 3 Whenever you found him he seemed watchful and serene, his modest virgin-lamp always lighted and trim.
a. Of parts of the body, articles of dress, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > virginity > [adjective] > characteristic of virgins
virginal?c1425
virgin1598
1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost v. ii. 798 Come challenge me,..And by this Virgin palme now kissing thine, I wilbe thine. View more context for this quotation
1609 W. Shakespeare Pericles xvi. 143 Vntide I still my virgin knot will keepe. View more context for this quotation
1616 W. Drummond Poems (rev. ed.) sig. O4 This virgine Locke of Haire To Idmon Anthea giues.
1650 J. Bulwer Anthropometamorphosis Pref. The Midwives do the Virgin Zone cashere.
1684 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 2nd Pt. Authors Way sig. A5v Come see her in her Virgin Face, and learn Twixt Idle ones, and Pilgrims to discern. View more context for this quotation
1725 E. Fenton in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey I. iv. 1050 Iphthima the fair:..whose blooming charms Allur'd Eumelus to her virgin-arms.
1807–8 W. Wordsworth Eccl. Sonn. ii. xxv Mother! whose virgin bosom was uncrost With the least shade of thought to sin allied.
1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake iii. 103 Yet ne'er again to braid her hair The virgin snood did Alice wear.
1819 S. Rogers Human Life 9 Moves in her virgin-veil the gentle bride.
1846 C. G. Prowett tr. Æschylus Prometheus Bound 31 Thou favoured maiden, Why in thy virgin-zone still braced?
b. Of qualities, feelings, etc.
ΚΠ
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) ii. xvii. sig. Aa3 Though the purenes of my virgin-minde be stained, let me keepe the true simplicitie of my word.
1611 Second Maiden's Trag. (1909) iii. i. 43 Hast thow..overcome Thy honors enemies wth thine owne white hand Wher Virgin-Victory sitts all, without help.
1633 J. Ford Broken Heart ii. iii. sig. E1 The Virgin dowry which my birth bestow'd, Is rauish'd by another.
1651 T. Hobbes Philos. Rudim. xviii. §14. 362 Hither also in some respect tends the Virgin-life of Ecclesiasticall Persons.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 270 To whom the Virgin Majestie of Eve..With sweet austeer composure thus reply'd. View more context for this quotation
1713 J. Addison Cato i. vi Lucia. Was ever virgin love distress'd like mine!
1720 R. Welton tr. T. Alvares de Andrade Sufferings Son of God I. iv. 67 Without the least Injury to her Virgin-Purity.
1757 T. Gray Ode II iii. ii, in Odes 19 Her..face, Attemper'd sweet to virgin-grace.
1762 O. Goldsmith Citizen of World II. 98 A lady in the virgin bloom of sixty-three.
1808 ‘H. St. Victor’ Ruins of Rigonda I. 55 These..are mere virgin scruples.
1839 T. De Quincey Lake Reminisc. in Tait's Edinb. Mag. Apr. 251/1 The honourable election..of a self-dependent state of virgin seclusion, by preference to a heartless marriage!
1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) iii. 19 The picture of youth, unprotected innocence, and humble virgin simplicity.
1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ Valerie's Fate ii We must not disturb her virgin thoughts with a question of marriage.
4.
a. Comparable to a virgin in respect of purity or freedom from stain; pure, unstained, unsullied. In early use in figurative context.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > virtue > purity > [adjective]
cleanlyc888
unwemmedc950
clean971
lightOE
whiteOE
unfiledc1200
shire?c1225
sheenc1275
wemlessc1275
undefouled13..
undefoileda1325
purec1330
unbleckedc1380
unfouledc1380
clear1382
impollutec1384
unblemishedc1400
undefiledc1400
unspottedc1400
virginc1400
spotless?a1430
immaculate1441
uncorruptc1450
unpollushed1490
intemeratea1492
incorrupted1529
unmaculate1535
impolluted1548
crystallinec1550
incorrupt1550
uncorrupted1565
undistained1565
unstained1573
entire1587
taintless1590
untainted1590
stainless1599
unsmirched1604
intemerated1608
indepravate1609
chastea1616
uncurseda1628
undishonested1631
untaint1638
Adamical1649
sincere1649
undebaucheda1656
unaccurseda1674
amiantal1674
unsoiled1699
unpolluted1732
the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > freedom from impurities > [adjective]
fairOE
unfiledc1200
purec1300
undefouled13..
unfouledc1380
fresha1393
finec1440
filthless1532
taintless1590
virgin1596
untainted1609
indevirginate?1624
unpolluted1771
germless1869
Diana1870
sterile1877
aseptic1883
pristine1910
c1400 (?c1380) Pearl l. 426 We leuen on Marye..Þat ber a barne of vyrgyn flour.
a1475 (?1445) J. Lydgate Minor Poems (1911) i. 372 Seynt Felice..With blessyd Seynt Cuthburge, þat virgyn flour.
1596 E. Spenser Prothalamion 32 The virgin Lillie, and the Primrose trew.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice ii. vii. 23 What sayes the siluer with her virgin hue? View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) iv. i. 55 The white cold virgin Snow, vpon my heart. View more context for this quotation
1633 J. Ford Broken Heart vi. ii. sig. I4 The Virgin Bayes shall not withstand the lightning With a more carelesse danger, than my constancy The full of thy relation.
1641 J. Milton Of Reformation 24 These that must be call'd the ancientest, and most virgin times between Christ and Constantine.
1650 H. Vaughan Silex Scintillans 18 What shades, and Cells, Faire, virgin-flowers, and hallow'd Wells I should rove in.
1743 P. Francis & W. Dunkin tr. Horace Odes (new ed.) I. i. xxvi. 9 Sweet Muse, who lov'st the virgin Spring, Hither thy sunny Flowrets bring.
1818 J. Keats Endymion ii. 58 My veined pebble-floor, that draws A virgin light to the deep.
1819 S. Rogers Human Life 46 A funeral-garland hung Of virgin-white.
1839 T. De Quincey Sketches Life & Manners in Tait's Edinb. Mag. Sept. 577/1 A glittering expanse..of virgin snow.
1861 W. M. Thackeray Four Georges iv. 225 To lead a pure life, to keep your honour virgin.
1885 R. Buchanan Annan Water iii The garden was covered with a sheet of virgin white.
b. Not yet touched, handled, or employed for any purpose; still undisturbed or unused; perfectly fresh or new.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > the future or time to come > newness or novelty > [adjective] > fresh or new
newa1300
moistc1390
undiffadedc1430
green1585
youthful1594
virent1595
virgin1600
unhandleda1657
virginala1659
original1756
untrite1781
unclichéd1946
1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream i. i. 77 The rose..which, withering on the virgin thorne..dies, in single blessednesse. View more context for this quotation
a1649 W. Drummond Poems (1656) 174 How oft have we Some Chloris Name graven in each Virgin Tree?
1785 G. Crabbe News-paper 2 Unbought, unblest, the virgin copies wait In vain for fame.
1799 W. Wordsworth Nutting 21 The hazels rose Tall and erect, with tempting clusters hung, A virgin scene.
1823 I. D'Israeli Curiosities of Lit. 2nd Ser. I. 415 I propose to give what..may be called the philosophy of Proverbs—a topic which seems virgin.
1838 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece (new ed.) II. xii. 108 A..Samian, named Colæus, reached Tartessus, and found, as Herodotus says, a virgin mart.
1880 F. Francis Bk. Angling (ed. 5) ix. 307 Salmon..hatched in perfectly virgin waters.
1882 E. A. Floyer Unexplored Baluchistan 176 It was at least a virgin country which..had never yet been entered by white man.
1897 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. II. 258 The ravages of Small-pox in a virgin race.
c. Perfectly free or clear of something.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > non-possession > [adjective] > devoid of something
nakedeOE
toomOE
windia1225
skerec1250
freea1325
expertc1374
unbeseen1390
vacanta1400
devoidc1400
indigent1490
waste1513
clear1569
divesta1679
viduate1692
innocent1706
divested1742
sincerea1754
virgin1889
1889 Harper's Mag. May 878/2 The Sierra Madres in Mexico are still virgin of sportsmen and skin-hunters.
5.
a. Employed for the first time.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > the future or time to come > newness or novelty > [adjective] > used for the first time or still unimpaired by use
newOE
unexpert?1518
virgin1627
1627 M. Drayton Miseries Queene Margarite in Battaile Agincourt 87 When th' Earle of March..His Virgine valour on that day bestowes.
1725 E. Fenton in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey I. i. 389 His virgin sword Ægysthus' veins imbru'd.
1760 L. Sterne Life Tristram Shandy I. ix. 29 But [it] is honestly a true Virgin-Dedication untried on, upon any soul living.
a1839 W. M. Praed Poems (1864) II. 16 As on the day that saw him wield His virgin sword in battle field.
b. Forming a first essay or attempt; coming at the beginning or outset.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > one > firstness > [adjective] > first of its kind
maiden1555
virgina1628
a1628 F. Greville Life of Sidney (1651) xvii. 225 Her Virgin-triumph over that..invincible Navy.
a1633 Visct. Falkland Hist. Edward II (1680) 8 The first Virgin-works of his Greatness.
a1651 N. Culverwell Elegant Disc. Light of Nature (1652) i. xi. 93 Instincts..the first-born faculties..that are presently espoused to their Virgin-objects.
1708 J. Ozell tr. N. Boileau-Despréaux Lutrin 121 A Youth..entring the Lists, his Virgin-Motion makes.
1771 T. Smollett Humphry Clinker II. 22 Tim Cropdale..had happily wound up the catastrophe of a virgin tragedy, from the exhibition of which [etc.].
1857 C. Heavysege Saul (1869) 27 Now quit thee well on this thy virgin field.
1873 P. G. Hamerton Intellect. Life v. iii. 191 That interest you preserve in all its virgin force, and this force carries a man far.
1891 Daily News 21 Feb. 3/2 That any measure dealing with..the House of Lords could only be undertaken by the virgin energy of the session.
Compounds
C1.
a. General attributive.
(a)
virgin-birth n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > source or principle of life > birth > confinement > [noun] > childbirth or delivery > virgin birth
virgin-birth1646
1646 R. Crashaw Steps to Temple 84 The Virgin births with which thy spowse Made fruitfull thy faire soule.
1864 E. B. Pusey Daniel viii. 484 That announcement of the Virgin-birth of Him, of whom it is said, she shall call His Name Emmanuel.
1899 Daily News 16 Sept. 7/1 I fail to see how those who deny the virgin birth of Our Lord can in any way claim part in the Christian Church.
virgin-violator n.
ΚΠ
a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) v. i. 41 That Angelo is an adulterous thiefe, An hypocrite, a virgin violator . View more context for this quotation
virgin-worship n.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > kinds of worship > [noun] > of virgin
parthenolatrya1834
virgin-worship1848
1848 C. Kingsley Saint's Trag. Introd. p. xviii I should..have copied the introduction of Virgin-worship into the original tale.
(b)
virgin-born adj.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > source or principle of life > birth > [adjective] > born > of a woman > of a virgin
virgin-born1671
parthenogenetic1871
1671 J. Milton Paradise Regain'd iv. 497 Then hear, O Son of David, Virgin-born . View more context for this quotation
1846 R. C. Trench Notes Miracles Introd. iv. 46 The Virgin-born, the Son of the Most Highest.
virgin-produced adj.
ΚΠ
1861 Year-bk. Med. 1860 (New Sydenham Soc.) 377 They are altogether equivalent to virgin-produced ‘zooids’.
b.
virgin-bower n. = virgin's bower n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > shrubs > climbing, trailing, or creeping shrubs > [noun] > clematis or traveller's joy
white vine?a1425
clematis1578
lady's bower1597
traveller's joy1597
virgin's bower1597
bethwine1609
honesty1640
love1640
maiden's honesty1691
lady bower1715
virgin-bower1725
old man's beard1731
bindwith1797
Robin Hood's feather1820
silver-bush1886
1725 R. Bradley Chomel's Dictionaire Œconomique Virgin-bower, a Plant of which there are two sorts [etc.].
1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake i. 32 The clematis, the favoured flower, Which boasts the name of virgin-bower.
virgin-stock n. the Virginia stock.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular cultivated or ornamental plants > particular flower or plant esteemed for flower > [noun] > cruciferous flowers > white or purple flowers
garden rocket1548
queen's gillyflower1573
cuckoo-flower1578
damask violet1578
dame's-violet1578
rogue's gilliflower1578
wild passerage1578
lady's smock1593
Canterbury bells1597
close-sciences1597
sea stock-gillyflower1597
cardamine1609
melancholic gentleman1629
melancholy gentleman1629
Whitsun gilliflower1656
Hesperis1666
rocket1731
queen's violet1733
queen's July-flower1760
Virginian stock1760
spinka1774
damewort1776
virgin-stock1786
pink1818
sea-stock1849
clown's mustard1861
rock beauty1870
milksile-
1786 J. Abercrombie Gardeners Daily Assistant 55 Sweet peas, pansies, virgin-stock.
1891 Cent. Dict. at Stock The somewhat similar Malcolmia maritima,..in England called Virginia or virgin stock.
virgin-tree n. Oriental sassafras.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular medicinal plants or parts > medicinal trees or shrubs > [noun] > non-British medicinal trees or shrubs > sassafras
sassafras1577
ague tree1597
sassafras-tree1597
saxifrage1670
virgin-tree1866
sassafras laurel1878
1866 J. Lindley & T. Moore Treasury Bot. II. 1219/1 Virgin-tree, Sassafras Parthenoxylon.
C2. In possessive collocations.† virgin's honey n. Obsolete = virgin honey n. at Compounds 3b.† virgin's oil n. Obsolete = virgin oil n. at Compounds 3b.† virgin's sea n. Obsolete = Virginian sea n. at Virginian n. and adj.1 Compounds 3. † virgin's thread n. Obsolete (see quot.).
virgin's garland n. a garland of flowers and coloured paper formerly carried at the funeral of a maiden.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > obsequies > [noun] > flowers > garland
virgin's garland1825
1825 J. T. Brockett Gloss. North Country Words Virgin's garland, many country churches in the North are adorned with these garlands; in token, says Bourne, of esteem and love, and as an emblem of reward in the heavenly Church.
1828 W. Carr Dial. Craven (ed. 2) Virgin's Garlands. Many of the Churches in the Deanery of Craven are adorned with these garlands. [Description follows.]
1882 G. F. Jackson Shropshire Word-bk. Virgins-garlands still exist; as..at Minsterley, where there are several, the most recent of them being of the date 1764.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > additive > sweetener > honey > [noun] > virgin or liquid honey
honey-teareOE
life-honey?a1450
white honeya1450
virgin's honey1611
virgin honeya1665
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Miel vierge, Virgins honie, the honie which of it selfe, and without pressing, distills from the combe.
1725 R. Bradley Chomel's Dictionaire Œconomique at Empyema They mix a quartern of Virgins Honey, with two Paris Pints thereof.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > fat or oil > [noun] > olive oil
elec950
oil1221
oil d'olive1381
oil of olives1381
oil olivec1425
Seville oil1436
salad oil1559
olive oil1566
sweet oil1581
virgin's oil1611
Minorca oil1612
virgin oil1699
Lucca oil1725
Gallipoli oil1839
virgin salad oil1839
Florence-oil1858
extra-virgin1981
EVOO1993
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Huile Virginal, Virgins Oyle; the Oyle that comes from the Oliue of it selfe, and without pressing.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > water > sea or ocean > specific seas > [noun] > Atlantic Ocean > Virginian Sea
virgin's sea1603
Virginian sea1612
1603 in Shirburn Ballads lxxvii. 7 His Empyre..Halfe which her beosome foorth doth lay from German to the Virgin's [v.r. Virginian] sea.
Virgin's spike n. (see spike n.1 1b).
ΚΠ
1704 Dict. Rusticum Virgin's-Thread, is a sort of Dew which flies in the Air, like small untwisted Silk or Yarn, and falling upon the Ground or Plants, converts it self into a form like a Spiders Web.
C3. Special collocations.
a.
virgin bush n. bush land not brought under cultivation.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > landscape > wild or uncultivated land > [noun]
westerneOE
weste landOE
wastinea1175
westec1175
wastec1200
wildernc1200
wildernessc1200
wildernessc1230
warlottc1290
forestc1320
wastyc1325
deserta1398
wastern?a1400
wildnessa1513
the wilds of1600
vastness1605
vastacy1607
roughet1616
wild1637
wildland1686
bush1780
wastage1823
mesquite1834
wasteland1887
mulga1896
virgin bush1905
boondock1944
boonies1954
virgin land1955
1905 W. Baucke Where White Man Treads 297 A heroic dare-all to share her children's father's toil to build up a home in the virgin bush.
1982 Times 15 Feb. 6/2 The Pope..celebrated Mass at a huge open space..which had been bulldozed out of the virgin bush a few days earlier.
virgin clay n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > constituent materials > earth or soil > soil qualities > [noun] > soil as source of growth > virgin soil
virgin earth1652
virgin clay1709
virgin mould1813
virgin soil1828
natural1946
1709 T. Robinson Vindic. Mosaick Syst. 103 in Ess. Nat. Hist. Westmorland & Cumberland A small Parcel of Virgin-Clay, digged some Fathoms under Ground.
virgin country n. country that has not yet been opened up to the outside world for trade, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > landscape > wild or uncultivated land > [noun] > underdeveloped land
wasteland1922
virgin country1929
1929 Daily Express 7 Nov. 8/4 Great tractors that will take heavy loads over virgin country where there are no roads.
virgin earth n. = virgin soil n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > constituent materials > earth or soil > soil qualities > [noun] > soil as source of growth > virgin soil
virgin earth1652
virgin clay1709
virgin mould1813
virgin soil1828
natural1946
1652 J. French York-shire Spaw ii. 13 Helmonts sabulum or virgin-earth, which he saith is a certain sand continued from the Center of the earth in divers places, even to the superficies of the same.
a1691 R. Boyle Gen. Hist. Air (1692) 44 Hoping to find in the salt of what he supposed to be Virgin-earth, the true receptacle of an universal spirit.
1744 G. Berkeley Siris (ESTC T72826) §141 Virgin earth becomes fertile, crops of new plants ever and anon shew themselves.
1799 J. Robertson Gen. View Agric. Perth 280 Hence the astonishing fertility of all new soil, or what is called virgin earth.
1812 S. Edwards New Bot. Garden I. 64 A third part of fresh virgin earth, from a pasture ground.
virgin field n.
ΚΠ
1886 J. Barrowman Gloss. Sc. Mining Terms 69 Virgin field, a mineral field untouched or solid.
virgin forest n. a forest of natural growth as yet untouched by man.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > landscape > fertile land or place > land with vegetation > [noun] > wooded land > types of
ripplelOE
wildwooda1122
rough1332
firth?a1400
tod stripec1446
osiard1509
bush1523
bush-ground1523
fritha1552
island1638
oak landc1658
pinelandc1658
piney wood1666
broom-land1707
pine barrenc1721
pine savannah1735
savannah1735
thick woods1754
scrub-land1779
olive wood1783
primeval forest1789
open wood1790
strong woods1792
scrub1805
oak flata1816
sertão1816
sprout-land1824
flatwoods1841
bush-land1842
tall timber1845
amber forest1846
caatinga1846
mahogany scrub1846
bush-flat1847
myall country1847
national forest1848
selva1849
monte1851
virgin forest1851
bush-country1855
savannah forest1874
bush-range1879
bushveld1879
protection forest1889
mulga1896
wood-bush1896
shinnery1901
fringing forest1903
monsoon forest1903
rainforest1903
savannah woodland1903
thorn forest1903
tropical rainforest1903
gallery forest1920
cloud forest1922
rain jungle1945
mato1968
1851 G. F. Richardson Introd. Geol. (1855) 443 A virgin forest of the Isle of Gouahan, one of the Mariana Islands.
virgin land n. previously uncultivated land, spec. [translating Russian tseliná] in Western Siberia and Kazakhstan, land made the subject of an intensive agricultural programme by the Soviet government since 1954.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > landscape > wild or uncultivated land > [noun]
westerneOE
weste landOE
wastinea1175
westec1175
wastec1200
wildernc1200
wildernessc1200
wildernessc1230
warlottc1290
forestc1320
wastyc1325
deserta1398
wastern?a1400
wildnessa1513
the wilds of1600
vastness1605
vastacy1607
roughet1616
wild1637
wildland1686
bush1780
wastage1823
mesquite1834
wasteland1887
mulga1896
virgin bush1905
boondock1944
boonies1954
virgin land1955
1955 Britannica Bk. of Year 460/2 New state farms were to be set up at once mainly in Kazakhstan and western Siberia, where there were said to be many millions of acres of virgin or neglected, but fertile, land.
1959 Listener 10 Sept. 378/2 Mr. Khrushchev's virgin~lands scheme in Siberia and Kazakhstan.
1967 C. Cockburn I, Claud xxxv. 438 Hardly anyone can be packed off to some social equivalent of the Russian ‘virgin lands’ for lousing things up.
1981 O. Bernier Pleasure & Privilege xiii. 222 Every day men were claiming and enclosing new, virgin land. Homesteaders were at work all over the Eastern states.
virgin mould n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > constituent materials > earth or soil > soil qualities > [noun] > soil as source of growth > virgin soil
virgin earth1652
virgin clay1709
virgin mould1813
virgin soil1828
natural1946
1813 H. Davy Elements Agric. Chem. viii. 311 Strawberries and potatoes at first produce luxuriantly in virgin mould, recently turned up from pasture.
virgin rock n. native rock not yet cut into or quarried.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > constituent materials > rock > [noun] > virgin rock
virgin rock1877
natural1946
1877 J. Northcote Catacombs i. i. 10 They choose rather to excavate in their own fashion in the virgin rock below.
virgin soil n. soil which has not hitherto been brought into cultivation, and retains all its natural power of producing vegetation.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > constituent materials > earth or soil > soil qualities > [noun] > soil as source of growth > virgin soil
virgin earth1652
virgin clay1709
virgin mould1813
virgin soil1828
natural1946
1828 N. Webster Amer. Dict. Eng. Lang. Virgin,..fresh; new; unused; as virgin soil.
1837 H. Martineau Society in Amer. II. 106 The slave population..is killed off..on the virgin soils to which alone it is, in any degree, appropriate.
1847 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) xi. 104 We shall impart a great variety of information to our little friend... Quite a virgin soil, I believe you said.
1857 D. Livingstone Missionary Trav. S. Afr. xix. 372 Virgin soil does not give such a heavy crop as an old garden.
1888 J. Bryce Amer. Commonw. III. lxxvi. 6 No event, no speech or article, ever falls upon a perfectly virgin soil.
virgin wheat land n.
ΚΠ
1869 Ann. Rep. Commissioner Agric. 1868 18 in U.S. Congress. Serial Set (40th Congr., 3rd Sess.: House of Representatives Executive Doc.) XV It [sc. present practice] will doubtless continue in vogue till our virgin wheat lands are run over by pioneers.
b. In special names of various substances (usually denoting one in a pure unmixed state or obtained as a first product).
virgin barm n. (see quot.).
ΚΠ
1893 R. Wells Mod. Pract. Bread Baker 10 Virgin barm, or bastard barm, as it is sometimes called, is made in somewhat the same way as Parisian barm.
virgin breccia n. (see quot.).
ΚΠ
1839 Civil Engineer & Architect's Jrnl. 2 454/1 Seme Santo, or Virgin Breccia. Very small red, chocolate,..white and yellowish angulous fragments.
virgin clay n. (see quot.).
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > clay > [noun] > for making pottery > types of
white claya1387
bottle clay1686
porcelain clay1690
blue clay1698
tasco1726
kaolin1728
capital1738
unaker1744
saggar1786
ball clay1811
Cornish clay1829
china-clay1840
Poole clay1875
bleaching-clay1881
pâte1890
virgin clay1891
1891 Cent. Dict. Virgin clay, in industrial arts,..clay that has never been molded or fired, as distinguished from the ground substance of old ware, which is often mixed with it.
virgin comb n. (see quots.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > additive > sweetener > honey > [noun] > honeycomb
comba700
honeycombOE
werke1598
virgin comb1639
sugar-bag1764
1639 G. Daniel Ecclus. xxiv. 65 My Memory Is pleasant as the Honey, and my ffee Is sweeter then Virgin-Combes.
1667 J. Dryden Annus Mirabilis 1666 cxlv. 37 With glewy wax some new foundation lay Of Virgin combs, which from the roof are hung.
1866 C. Tomlinson Cycl. Useful Arts (new ed.) III. 693/2 Some virgin comb that had never seen the light was placed in clean linen.
virgin copper n. (see quots.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > minerals > types of mineral > native elements and alloys > [noun] > native copper
virgin copper1728
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Virgin Virgin Copper, is that which has never been melted down.
1796 J. Morse Amer. Universal Geogr. (new ed.) I. 167 Remarkable for the abundance of virgin copper.
virgin cream n. (see quot.).
ΚΠ
1725 R. Bradley Chomel's Dictionaire Œconomique Virgin-Cream, a Dish for which having the Whites of five Eggs, let them be well whip'd and put into a Pan, with Sugar [etc.].
virgin dip n. (see quots.).
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > other vegetable materials > plant resin > [noun] > oleoresins from coniferous trees
pitcheOE
turpentine1322
alkitranc1400
cedriac1420
perrosin?a1425
pitch-rosinc1450
terebinth1483
alchitrean1562
frankincense1577
Venice turpentine1577
terebinthine1578
Venetian turpentine1598
Burgundy pitch1678
Strasbourg turpentine1683
terebinthina1693
Scio turpentine1710
rhinehurst1724
Canada balsam1754
Canada balsam1754
Canada turpentine1762
galipot1791
Canada pitch1831
dipping1832
pine gum1853
dip1856
scrape1856
virgin dip1856
pinol1889
1856 F. L. Olmsted Journey Slave States 343 The flow of the first year..is of higher value than the ordinary dip. It is called ‘virgin dip.’
1884 C. S. Sargent Rep. Forests N. Amer. 517 ‘Virgin dip,’ or ‘Soft white gum turpentine’— the product of the first year the trees are worked.
virgin gold n. (see quots.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > minerals > types of mineral > native elements and alloys > [noun] > native gold
gold dust1607
virgin gold1673
sand gold1766
vein gold1834
rhodium gold1844
free gold1854
shot gold1858
flour-gold1869
stream-gold1875
1673 E. Browne Brief Acct. Trav. Hvngaria 99 There have been pieces of pure or virgin Gold found in this Mine.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Gold Virgin Gold, is Gold, just as it is caken out of the Mines before it have undergone any Action, or Preparation of Fire.
1777 W. Robertson Hist. Amer. vii. (1778) II. 343 A late governor of Sante Fé brought with him to Spain a lump of virgin gold.
1837 J. G. Lockhart Mem. Life Scott (1839) IV. 141 Sir John Malcolm had given him some Indian coins to supply virgin gold for the setting of this relic.
virgin hay n. (see quot.).
ΚΠ
1733 J. Tull Horse-hoing Husbandry xiv. 84 This came out of the Ricks at Winter with a much finer Colour, and as fine a Smell as the Virgin Hay.
virgin honey n. (see quots.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > additive > sweetener > honey > [noun] > virgin or liquid honey
honey-teareOE
life-honey?a1450
white honeya1450
virgin's honey1611
virgin honeya1665
a1665 K. Digby Closet Opened (1669) 5 It is of three sorts, Virgin-honey, Life-honey, and Stock-honey.
1679 M. Rusden Further Discov. Bees 64 The ignorance of many Country people not knowing which is right Virgin-Hony, and which is not.
1707 J. Mortimer Whole Art Husbandry (1721) I. 283 The Honey which first flows of it self from the Combs is called Virgin Honey (as is also the Honey which comes from the first Years Swarm).
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. (at cited word) We have two Kinds of Honey, white and yellow.—The white, call'd also Virgin Honey, trickles out spontaneously from the Comb, by turning it up or breaking it.
1772 J. W. Fletcher Appeal Matter of Fact Concl. Addr. 42 Some poor hungry hearts will say, ‘One thing is needful for us. We cannot have too much virgin-honey’.
1866 C. Tomlinson Cycl. Useful Arts (new ed.) III. 695/1 Any experiments on this subject must be with virgin honey, or that drained from the new comb.
virgin lead n. (see quot.).
ΚΠ
a1728 J. Woodward Attempt Nat. Hist. Fossils Eng. (1729) i. 207 Lead-Grains so pure as nearly to approach the Fineness of Virgin Lead.
virgin mercury n. (see quots.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > minerals > types of mineral > native elements and alloys > [noun] > native mercury
virgin mercury1669
1669 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 4 1080 Virgin-Mercury they call that, which discovers itself without the help of fire.
1757 tr. J. G. Keyssler Trav. III. 377 Virgin mercury..is that which is entirely prepared by nature.
virgin metal n. (see quot.).
ΚΠ
1668 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 3 821 Yet sometimes there are great Masses found all of pure Silver, which is call'd Virgin-mettal.
virgin oak n. (see quot.).
ΚΠ
1740 W. Somervile Hobbinol i. 202 With his Plant Of toughest Virgin Oak in rising [he] aids His trembling Limbs.
virgin oil n. (see quots.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > fat or oil > [noun] > olive oil
elec950
oil1221
oil d'olive1381
oil of olives1381
oil olivec1425
Seville oil1436
salad oil1559
olive oil1566
sweet oil1581
virgin's oil1611
Minorca oil1612
virgin oil1699
Lucca oil1725
Gallipoli oil1839
virgin salad oil1839
Florence-oil1858
extra-virgin1981
EVOO1993
1699 A. Boyer Royal Dict. at De l'huile vierge Sweet, or pure Oyl, Virgin Oyl.
1853 A. Ure Dict. Arts (ed. 4) II. 284 In the district Montpellier, they apply the term virgin oil to that which spontaneously separates from the paste of crushed olives.
1857 W. A. Miller Elements Chem. III. 359 The ripe olives are first subjected to pressure without the application of heat; in this manner the finest oil, or virgin oil, is obtained.
virgin ore n. (see quots.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > minerals > ore > [noun]
oreOE
metala1387
minea1425
mineralc1500
vein1601
spelter1661
ram1683
virgin ore1758
rock1830
manganomelane1934
1758 W. Borlase Nat. Hist. Cornwall 199 The most perfect copper..is the Malleable (from its purity called in Cornwall the Virgin-ore).
1821 Ld. Byron Sardanapalus iv. i. 123 The miner lights Upon a vein of virgin ore.
virgin parchment n. (see quots.).
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > writing > writing materials > material to write on > skin (vellum or parchment) > [noun] > parchment > type of
virgin parchment1611
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Parchemin verri, Cleere Parchment, virgine Parchment.
1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) Virgin Parchment, a sort of fine Parchment made of the Skin of a young Lamb.
1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward II. iii. 63 It was fastened round his middle by a broad belt of virgin parchment.
virgin salad oil n. (see quot.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > fat or oil > [noun] > olive oil
elec950
oil1221
oil d'olive1381
oil of olives1381
oil olivec1425
Seville oil1436
salad oil1559
olive oil1566
sweet oil1581
virgin's oil1611
Minorca oil1612
virgin oil1699
Lucca oil1725
Gallipoli oil1839
virgin salad oil1839
Florence-oil1858
extra-virgin1981
EVOO1993
1839 A. Ure Dict. Arts 897 The best [olive oil], called virgin salad oil, is obtained by gentle pressure in the cold.
virgin scammony n. (see quot.).
ΚΠ
1888 A. H. Buck Ref. Handbk. Med. Sci. VI. 297/1 In this way the bubbles and sour odor are developed, and what is known as ‘Virgin Scammony’ is produced.
virgin silver n. (see quots.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > minerals > types of mineral > native elements and alloys > [noun] > native silver
virgin silver1726
wire silver1867
wire1882
society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > metal > precious metal > [noun] > silver > pure silver
virgin silver1726
1726 G. Shelvocke Voy. round World v. 167 1300 dollars weight in ingots of virgin silver.
1776 A. Smith Inq. Wealth of Nations I. i. xi. 214 Silver is very seldom found virgin. View more context for this quotation
1806 R. Forsyth Beauties Scotl. IV. 10 It had..the appearance of metallic, malleable, or, what is called, virgin silver.
1873 E. Spon Workshop Receipts 1st Ser. 238/2 The silver found in the trade, even under the name of virgin silver, retains traces of copper.
virgin steel n. (see quot.).
ΚΠ
1833 J. Holland Treat. Manuf. Metal II. 39 Run, or virgin steel;—which, indeed, in the proper sense of the term, is no steel at all, but rather good cast metal.
virgin sulphur n. (see quots.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > minerals > types of mineral > native elements and alloys > [noun] > native sulphur
sulphur vif?a1425
sulphur vivum1651
virgin sulphur1668
sulphur of ivy1867
1668 W. Charleton Onomasticon Zoicon 235 Sulphur Virgineum... Virgin Sulphur.
1672 Compl. Gunner xv. 16 This is called Sulphur Vivum, and by some Virgin Sulphur.
1752 Chambers's Cycl. (ed. 7) at Sulphur Sulphur vivum, native or virgin sulphur, is that which is dug in this form out of the earth.
virgin tint n. (see quots.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > colour > colouring > colouring matter > [noun] > types of
lac1558
purpurin1558
colourish1598
earth1598
watercolour1598
earth colour1658
encaustic1662
lake1684
virgin tint1706
mosaic gold1746
bronze1753
gold bronze1769
cake colour1784
musive gold1796
sap-colour1816
repaint1827
moist colour1842
bronze powder1846
wax-colour1854
wax pigment1854
bitumen1855
chrome garnet1876
zinc-dust1877
zinc-powder1881
terra nera1882
earth pigment1900
1706 J. Savage tr. R. de Piles Art of Painting 320 On this they laid their Virgin Tints, with light strokes of the Pencil.
1753 W. Hogarth Anal. Beauty xiv. 190 Let us then..call class 4 of each colour ‘bloom-tints’, or, if you please, ‘virgin tints’, as the painters call them.
virgin wine n. (see quot.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > fruit juice or squash > [noun] > grape juice
virgin wine1799
grape juice1837
1799 tr. Laboratory (ed. 6) I. xiv. 430 Take the first, or virgin wine, which runs of itself from the grapes.
virgin wool n. (see quots.).
ΚΠ
1921 Daily Colonist (Victoria, Brit. Columbia) 5 Oct. 7/6 (advt.) Pure virgin wool socks at 45 c a pair.
1952 Amer. Speech 27 262 Woolens and worsteds may be manufactured from virgin wool—any wool that has never before been spun, woven, knitted, felted, or otherwise made into a manufactured product.
1977 New Yorker 12 Sept. 106/3 100% virgin shetland wool from the Shetland-Isles. Hand-loomed and fully-fashioned in the U.S.A.
C4. virgin-eyed, virgin-minded, virgin-vested adjs.
ΚΠ
1848 B. D. Walsh in tr. Aristophanes Comedies 365 (note) Jove's virgin-eyed daughter.
1867 Ld. Lytton Lett. (1906) I. 224 There exists nowhere..a more virgin-minded community of young men.
1871 A. C. Swinburne Quia Multum Amavit in Songs before Sunrise 18 Thou wast fairest and first of my virgin-vested daughters.
Derivatives
ˈvirgin v. (a) intransitive with it. To remain a virgin. (b) transitive. To speak of, mention (virgins).
ΚΠ
a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) v. iii. 48 That kisse I carried from thee deare; and my true Lippe Hath Virgin'd it ere since. View more context for this quotation
1633 P. Massinger New Way to pay Old Debts iii. ii. sig. G Mar. You'le haue mee Sir, preserue the distance, that Confines a Virgin? Ouer. Virgin me no Virgins. I must haue you lose that name, or you lose me.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1917; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.adj.a1200