maiden

maiden.

1. A young unmarried woman.

2. Scots law. An instrument used to behead criminals. • The Earl of Morton, who had introduced the instrument to Scotland, was the first to be executed by it, in 1581. It was the prototype of the guillotine. Hence, “to kiss the maiden was to be put to death.” H. Percy Smith, Glossary of Terms and Phrases 307 (1883).

---

词条贡献者

双语律师Virginia，国内知名法学院民商法专业，擅长翻译各类与公司与并购相关的法律文件。