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Simple English definitions for legal terms
maiden
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A quick definition of maiden:
A maiden is a young woman who is not married. In the past, in Scotland, it was also a name for a device used to behead criminals. The first person to be executed by this device was the Earl of Morton in 1581. It was the early version of the guillotine, and if someone was said to "kiss the maiden," it meant they were going to be put to death. Maiden can also refer to a woman's original last name before she gets married.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: A young unmarried woman. In Scots law, an instrument used to behead criminals. The Earl of Morton introduced the instrument to Scotland, and it was the prototype of the guillotine. "To kiss the maiden" was to be put to death.
Examples:
- She was a maiden of 18 years old.
- The Earl of Morton was executed by the maiden in 1581.
The first example illustrates the first definition of maiden as a young unmarried woman. The second example illustrates the second definition of maiden as an instrument used for beheading criminals in Scots law.