1. plural of handmaid; female servants or attendants, especially in a household or royal court
Usage: often historical or literary; can refer to women in subordinate positions
2. things that serve as aids or supports to something else
Usage: figurative use; less common

Examples

• The queen was attended by several handmaids who dressed her each morning.
• In medieval times, handmaids performed domestic duties in noble households.
• The handmaids served food and drink at the royal banquet.
• She worked as one of the handmaids in the castle for many years.
• Technology can be a handmaid to education when used thoughtfully.