handmaiden

/ˈhændˌmeɪdən/
noun
  1. A female servant or attendant (same as handmaid).
    • The handmaiden prepared the bath and laid out fresh clothes.
    • In historical novels, a handmaiden often serves a noble lady.
    • The handmaiden carried the princess's train during the ceremony.
  2. Something that serves or supports a more important thing or idea.
    • Good grammar is a handmaiden to clear communication.
    • Science is often seen as a handmaiden to technology.
    • The new policy was a handmaiden to economic growth.
What does "handmaiden" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean