ancilla
[aŋˈkɪl.la]
The English phrase "slave girl" is translated into Latin as ancilla.
Did you know?
- The word 'ancillary' in English, meaning providing necessary support, descends directly from this Latin term.
- In early Christian Latin texts, the phrase ancilla Domini meaning 'handmaid of the Lord' was used to describe the Virgin Mary. This shifted the word from a term of social bondage to one of spiritual devotion.
- In Roman comedy, the character of the ancilla was often the most clever person in the play. She frequently manipulated her masters and plotted escapes, acting as a subversive engine for the plot.
Examples in context
- Ancilla mea laborat.My slave girl is working.
- Quid hic ancilla facit?What is this slave girl doing here?
- Ancilla parva est.The slave girl is small.
Example conversation
A master and a mistress discuss the household staff.
- LuciusUbi est ancilla?Where is the slave girl?
- AureliaAncilla in horto est.The slave girl is in the garden.
- LuciusOptime, eam voca.Very well, call her.
- AureliaEam statim vocabo.I will call her immediately.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ancilla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
