abigail

abigail · noun¹

From the name Abigail, as given to a waiting-maid in Beaumont and Fletcher's play The Scornful Lady.

Abigail · proper noun²

1. Hebrew · borrowed fromאֲבִיגַיִל“Abigail”
2. English todayAbigail

From Hebrew אֲבִיגַיִל (avigáyil, “Abigail”, literally “my Father's joy” or “fountain of joy”).

Words from the same roots

First known use, by meaning

• mid 17th–19th c. A lady's maid.