Broadwives is a term that is not commonly used in modern English language. However, it has a rich history and has been used in the past to describe a particular profession. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of broadwives, its origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Broadwives were women who were skilled in midwifery, a profession that involved assisting women during childbirth. They were known for their expertise in delivering babies and providing care to the mother and child after delivery. The term “broad” in broadwives refers to the wide range of services they provided, which included not only childbirth but also care for women’s reproductive health.
Origin
The term broadwives originated in England in the 16th century. It was derived from the Old English word “brād,” which means broad or wide, and “wīf,” which means woman. The term was commonly used in the 17th and 18th centuries to describe women who were skilled in midwifery.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The term broadwives is not commonly used in modern English language, and therefore, it is not found in most dictionaries. However, some historical dictionaries still include the term and define it as a midwife who is skilled in providing a wide range of services to women.
Associations
Broadwives were associated with the practice of midwifery, which was an essential profession in the past when women gave birth at home. They were also associated with providing care to women’s reproductive health, including contraception and abortion, which were not widely available at the time.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of broadwives include midwife, obstetrician, gynecologist, and nurse-midwife.
Antonyms
There are no specific antonyms of broadwives, but some related terms could be male midwife or obstetrician.
The same root words
The root words of broadwives are “brād” and “wīf,” which are also found in other English words such as “broad” and “wife.”
Example Sentences
- In the 17th century, broadwives were the primary caregivers for women during childbirth.
- The broadwives in the village were known for their expertise in delivering babies and providing postpartum care.
- The broadwives were skilled in providing a wide range of services to women, including contraception and abortion.