释义 |
ves·tal I. \ˈvestəl\ adjective Etymology: Middle English vestalle, from Latin vestalis, from Vesta + Latin -alis -al 1. : of or relating to the Roman goddess Vesta 2. a. : of or relating to a vestal virgin b. : chaste < who, even in pure and vestal modesty, still blush — Shakespeare > • ves·tal·ly \-təlē, -li\ adverb II. noun (-s) Etymology: Latin vestalis, from vestalis, adjective 1. also vestal virgin [vestal virgin part translation of Latin vestalis virgo] a. : a virgin consecrated to the Roman goddess Vesta and to the service of watching the sacred fire perpetually kept burning upon her altar b. : a pure and chaste woman (as a virgin or nun) 2. : a grayish purple to grayish reddish purple |