vestal virgins

Women in ancient Rome who took vows of chastity and tended the sacred flame in the temple of the goddess Vesta . Their group numbered six at any one time. A vestal virgin could marry after her term of service was over, but to do so was considered bad luck. A vestal virgin who lost her virginity during her term of service was punished by being buried alive.

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The Vestal virgins received especial honor, and were appointed by the Pontifex Maximus.

"The vestal virgins here are old men," replied Ralph, wickedly pleased to get a joke on the lady.

The vestal virgins he dismissed, and any house profaned by incense he declared forfeited to the imperial exchequer.

Our part is to look beautiful, and we may leave grave thoughts to the vestal virgins.

A man ravishing a virgin of the Sun, that is, one of the vestal virgins of the Temple, was burnt alive.

April 25, 2024firkin

[fur-kin ]

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