Vestal
/ˈvɛs.təl/noun
Relating to the Roman goddess Vesta or to a chaste, pure woman; also used historically for the Vestal Virgins.
Did you know?The Vestal Virgins were priestesses who kept Vesta’s sacred flame burning, and their status made the word *vestal* feel almost like a spell for ritual purity.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₁wes-
“to dwell, stay, remain”
Latin
Latin
Vesta
“the Roman goddess of the hearth and sacred fire”
Latin
Latin
vestālis
“of or belonging to Vesta; a Vestal priestess”
Old French
Old French
vestal
“relating to Vesta; chaste, pure”
14th Century
English
vestal
“relating to Vesta or to virginity/chastity”
Modern English
English
vestal
“pure, chaste, or relating to the Vestal Virgins”