A lady's maid is a female personal attendant who waits on the lady of the house. The position is somewhat analagous to a gentleman's valet, but not as high-ranking as a lady's companion , who is a retainer rather than a servant. The position is rare today.
Traditionally, a lady's maid was expected to maintain her lady's wardrobe and accessories and be an expert needlewoman and hairdresser as well. The mistress usually addressed her personal attendant by her last name; today she is more like to be called by her first name.
The position was demanding and the hours could be long; some ladies expected their maids to wait up for them if they were out, for example, but the rewards included room and board, travel and somewhat improved social status; the lady's maid was addressed as Miss Last Name by junior servants or when visiting in another servants' hall.
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