maid of honor

an unmarried woman who is the chief attendant of a bride. Compare matron of honor.

an unmarried woman, usually of noble birth, attendant on a queen or princess.

Origin of maid of honor

First recorded in 1580–90

She stayed through the week because it was the time of Edith Lawrence's wedding and she was to be maid-of-honor.

Fidelity |Susan Glaspell
This he did within a few days, and soon after married the Danish maid-of-honor who had risked so much for his sake.

Agnes Strickland's Queens of England, Vol. II. (of III) |Rosalie Kaufman
It chanced one day, that the Queen discovered what was going on between her Maid-of-Honor and the cavalier.

Famous Privateersmen and Adventurers of the Sea |Charles H. L. Johnston
"It is for your Majesty to command silence or speech," the Cyprian maid-of-honor said tentatively, as Caterina still held silence.

The Royal Pawn of Venice |Mrs. Lawrence Turnbull

Near her stood a maid-of-honor, who continually handed her fresh handkerchiefs from a great basketful by her side.

Ting-a-ling |Frank Richard Stockton