Glossary - Women's History
This glossary includes words and phrases encountered in women's history that are sometimes confusing, or terms that have passed out of usage or have changed in usage. I've also added some amusing definitions from historical documents.
ACTWU
Profile of the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union - ACTWU.
Profile of the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union - ACTWU.
Abbess
Glossary entry for Abbess, part of an extensive women's history glossary from women's history.about.com
Glossary entry for Abbess, part of an extensive women's history glossary from women's history.about.com
Alimony
Definition and description of alimony, from the perspective of women's history.
Definition and description of alimony, from the perspective of women's history.
Augusta
Glossary entry for Augusta, a Roman title.
Glossary entry for Augusta, a Roman title.
Bell, Book, and Candle
An 1811 version of the definition of "bell, book, and candle" as a phrase in Christian history -- one that was often applied in cases of accused witches and heretics.
An 1811 version of the definition of "bell, book, and candle" as a phrase in Christian history -- one that was often applied in cases of accused witches and heretics.
Bitch
A derogatory term still used for "uppity women," the term "bitch" has been used in similar ways for at least several centuries. Here's a definition from 1811.
A derogatory term still used for "uppity women," the term "bitch" has been used in similar ways for at least several centuries. Here's a definition from 1811.
Child Custody
A brief description of child custody history.
A brief description of child custody history.
Comparable Worth
A definition of the term "comparable worth," one of the phrases that describes a kind of pay equity.
A definition of the term "comparable worth," one of the phrases that describes a kind of pay equity.
Coverture
In studying pre-20th century women's rights, especially in England and America, the concept of "coverture" is key.
In studying pre-20th century women's rights, especially in England and America, the concept of "coverture" is key.
Cultural Feminism
"Cultural feminism" is one of the varieties or threads of feminist activism and theory -- here's the basic definition of "cultural feminism."
"Cultural feminism" is one of the varieties or threads of feminist activism and theory -- here's the basic definition of "cultural feminism."
Curtesy
Glossary entry for Curtesy, part of an extensive women's history glossary from women's history.about.com
Glossary entry for Curtesy, part of an extensive women's history glossary from women's history.about.com
Dower
Glossary entry for dower, part of an extensive women's history glossary from women's history.about.com
Glossary entry for dower, part of an extensive women's history glossary from women's history.about.com
Dowry
Glossary entry for dowry, part of an extensive women's history glossary from women's history.about.com
Glossary entry for dowry, part of an extensive women's history glossary from women's history.about.com
Fallacy of Anachronism
In judging the role of women in other times, the charge of the "fallacy of anachronism" is sometimes invoked.
In judging the role of women in other times, the charge of the "fallacy of anachronism" is sometimes invoked.
Fallacy: correlation implies causation
In historical analysis, as well as criticism of feminism, the fallacy of "correlation implies causation" is frequently -- and of course incorrectly -- invoked.
In historical analysis, as well as criticism of feminism, the fallacy of "correlation implies causation" is frequently -- and of course incorrectly -- invoked.
Hagiography or Hagiographies
Glossary definition of hagiography.
Glossary definition of hagiography.
Male Chauvinist Pig
A term invented in the 1960s, "male chauvinist pig" is rooted in two different derogatory terms, "pig" and "chauvinist."
A term invented in the 1960s, "male chauvinist pig" is rooted in two different derogatory terms, "pig" and "chauvinist."
Pennsylvania v. Addicks
Pennsylvania v. Addicks was a significant decision in legal history.
Pennsylvania v. Addicks was a significant decision in legal history.
Prostitute
Definition of the term "prostitute" including some synonyms, euphemisms, and related terms.
Definition of the term "prostitute" including some synonyms, euphemisms, and related terms.
Radical Feminism
Though this term is sometimes used to describe any feminist whose views are extreme, the definition of "radical feminism" is more specific than that.
Though this term is sometimes used to describe any feminist whose views are extreme, the definition of "radical feminism" is more specific than that.
Salic Law
A tradition in Europe describing assumptions about female inheritance.
A tradition in Europe describing assumptions about female inheritance.
Separate Estate
Glossary entry for separate estate, part of an extensive women's history glossary from women's history.about.com
Glossary entry for separate estate, part of an extensive women's history glossary from women's history.about.com
Suffragette
Glossary entry for suffragette, a term which had different connotations for American and British women.
Glossary entry for suffragette, a term which had different connotations for American and British women.