laundress etymology

Etymology:

The word "laundress" is derived from the Old French word "lavandiere," which itself comes from the Latin word "lavare," meaning "to wash."

Meaning and Origin:

A laundress is a person, typically a woman, who washes clothes for others as a paid occupation. Historically, laundresses played a vital role in communities, as they were responsible for keeping the clothing of both the wealthy and the poor clean and presentable.

In the past, laundresses performed their work manually, using washboards, tubs, and lye soap. They often worked in communal washhouses or along rivers and other water sources. With the invention of the washing machine and other laundry appliances in the 20th century, the role of the laundress gradually declined, and today, most people wash their own clothes at home.

However, laundresses still exist in some parts of the world, particularly in areas where access to laundry appliances is limited or where there is a need for specialized laundry services, such as for delicate garments or large quantities of clothing.

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