1. plural of handmaiden; female personal attendants or servants, especially in historical or literary contexts
Usage: often used in historical or biblical narratives
2. things that serve as aids or supports to something more important
Usage: figurative use

Examples

• The queen's handmaidens dressed her in elaborate gowns each morning.
• In the biblical story, the handmaidens attended to the needs of the household.
• Science and mathematics are handmaidens to modern technology.
• The handmaidens served the noble family with loyalty and discretion.
• Philosophy has long been considered a handmaiden to theology in medieval scholarship.
• The handmaidens prepared the chamber for the evening feast.