Definitions for vestal virgin
vestal vir·gin

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:1.0 / 1 vote

1. vestal virginnoun

   (Roman mythology) one of the virgin priestesses consecrated to the Roman goddess Vesta and to maintaining the sacred fire in her temple

WiktionaryRate this definition:3.0 / 2 votes

1. vestal virginnoun

   a virgin dedicated to the service of the goddess Vesta

2. vestal virginnoun

   a chaste woman

3. Etymology: Latin; virgines Vestales referred to the priestesses in charge of the sacred fire in the temple of Vesta in Rome

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Vestal Virgin

   In ancient Rome, the Vestal Virgins or Vestals (Latin: Vestālēs, singular Vestālis [wɛsˈtaːlɪs]) were priestesses of Vesta, virgin goddess of Rome's sacred hearth and its flame. The Vestals were unlike any other public priesthood. They were chosen before puberty from a number of suitable candidates, freed from any legal ties and obligations to their birth family, and enrolled in Vesta's priestly college of six priestesses. They were supervised by a senior vestal but chosen and governed by Rome's leading male priest, the Pontifex maximus; in the Imperial era, this meant the emperor. Vesta's acolytes vowed to serve her for at least thirty years, to study and practise her rites in service of the Roman State, and to maintain their chastity throughout. As well as their obligations on behalf of Rome, Vestals had extraordinary rights and privileges, some of which were granted to no others, male or female. The Vestals took it in turns to supervise Vesta's hearth, so that at least one Vestal was stationed there at all times. Vestals who allowed the sacred fire to go out were punished with whipping. Vestals who lost their chastity were guilty of incestum, and were sentenced to living burial, a bloodless death that must seem voluntary. Their sexual partners, if known, were publicly beaten to death. These were very rare events; most vestals retired with a generous pension and universal respect. They were then free to marry, though few of them did. Some appear to have renewed their vows. In 382 AD, the Christian emperor Gratian confiscated the public revenues assigned to the cult of Vesta in Rome, and the Vestals vanish from historical record soon after.

ChatGPTRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. vestal virgin

   A Vestal Virgin refers to a woman in ancient Rome who served as a priestess of the goddess Vesta, Rome's goddess of the hearth and the home. These women were selected at a young age, typically around six to ten years old, and were expected to serve for 30 years. During their service, they were required to remain chaste and had numerous duties, including maintaining the sacred fire of Vesta, performing various rituals, and preparing ingredients used in religious rites. They held an immensely respected and significant position in Roman society.

WikidataRate this definition:2.0 / 1 vote

1. Vestal Virgin

   In ancient Roman religion, the Vestals or Vestal Virgins, were priestesses of Vesta, goddess of the hearth. The College of the Vestals and its well-being was regarded as fundamental to the continuance and security of Rome. They cultivated the sacred fire that was not allowed to go out. The Vestals were freed of the usual social obligations to marry and bear children, and took a vow of chastity in order to devote themselves to the study and correct observance of state rituals that were off-limits to the male colleges of priests.

Who Was Who?Rate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Vestal Virgin

   An old maid of Rome who was locked up in the forum for protection. She attended the gladiatorial contests and played with her thumbs.

Matched Categories

1. • Roman Mythology
   • Votary

How to pronounce vestal virgin?

1. Alex

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   David

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   Mark

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   Daniel

   British

   Libby

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   Mia

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   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

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   Indian

   Priya

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   Neerja

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   Tessa

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Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of vestal virgin in Chaldean Numerology is: 4

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of vestal virgin in Pythagorean Numerology is: 5

References

1. ^ Princeton's WordNet
   http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=vestal virgin
2. ^ Wiktionary
   https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Vestal_Virgin
3. ^ Wikipedia
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vestal_Virgin
4. ^ ChatGPT
   https://chat.openai.com
5. ^ Wikidata
   https://www.wikidata.org/w/index.php?search=vestal virgin
6. ^ Who Was Who?
   https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/984/pg984-images.html#:~:text=vestal virgin