wardsmaid

English

Etymology

From ward +‎ -s- +‎ maid.

Noun

wardsmaid (plural wardsmaids)

1. A woman who manages a ward.
   • 1877 January, The Journal of Mental Science, volume 22, page 597:

     Chronic and quiet patients are just those who render most assistance in carrying on the daily routine of house-cleaning and other work in the asylum; and if they are removed it will be necessary in most cases to hire wardsmaids of a class much below that of the ordinary asylum attendant or nurse to replace them.

   • 2008, Rose Moxham, Teeth Marks, page 7:

     There was plenty to remember, but just then a trolley rattled in, pushed by a wiry wardsmaid in a pink uniform.

   • 2020 October 16, Marshelle Haseley, “RExTT launches pink mask campaign for breast cancer awareness”, in Trinidad and Tobago Newsday‎^[1]:

     She was a wardsmaid at the Point Fortin Hospital for many years until she retired.

Coordinate terms

• wardsman