[puh-nel-uh-pee] 
| 1. | Classical Mythology. the wife of Odysseus, who remained faithful to him during his long absence at Troy. |
| 2. | a faithful wife. |
| 3. | a female given name: from a Greek word meaning “weaver.” |
| Pe·nel·o·pe (pə-něl'ə-pē) n. Greek Mythology The wife of Odysseus and mother of Telemachus. Penelope was made immortal by Circe. |
The wife of Odysseus in classical mythology. Penelope remained true to her husband for the ten years he spent fighting in the Trojan War and for the ten years it took him to return from Troy, even though she was harassed by men who wanted to marry her. She promised to choose a suitor after she had finished weaving a shroud for her father-in-law, but every night she unraveled what she had woven during the day. After three years, her trick was discovered, but she still managed to put her suitors off until Odysseus returned and killed them.
Note: Penelope is an image of fidelity and devotion.
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