Lass
/læs/noun
A girl or young woman.
Did you know?The exact origin of Scottish and Northern English lass is uncertain, but many etymologists connect it to a Germanic root meaning “loose” or “free,” which is why its history feels so old and earthy.
Etymological Timeline
Old English / Old Norse era
Germanic
*lask- / *las-
“A proposed ancient Germanic source, possibly meaning loose, slack, or free”
Middle English
Scots
lass
“A girl; a young woman”
Late Middle English
English
lass
“A young woman or female servant, especially in northern dialects”
Modern English
English
lass
“A girl or young woman”