Handmaid, Handmaiden

HANDMAID, HANDMAIDEN. In the KJV a female slave or servant. When used of oneself, it indicates humility, as in Ruth’s speaking to Boaz (Ruth.3.9), Hannah’s praying to the Lord (1Sam.1.11) and speaking to Eli (1Sam.1.16), and Mary’s speaking to Gabriel (Luke.1.38) and singing (Luke.1.48).