stagette

n. an unmarried or unbetrothed woman; any woman or girl unaccompanied by a man, especially when socialiazing as part of a group of women or girls; (hence) especially in Canada, a pre-wedding party given for a bride; a bachelorette party. Also staggette; attrib. Subjects: English, Canada, United States

Etymological Note: stag ‘bachelor’ + -ette, a diminutive or feminine suffix from Old French.

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Citations: 1920 Fayetteville Democrat (Ark.) (July 14) “Social and Personal” p. 4: Following an informal “stagette” dance a midnight feast of ices and cakes was served. 1944 Lethbridge Herald (Alberta, Can.) (Feb. 28) “‘First Niter’ Dance on Friday Night” p. 9: Meet the Stagettes! This is the city’s latest service club organization and it is composed of an energetic group of young ladies who announce their “First Niter” Dance Friday night. 1968 Tri-City Herald (Pasco, Kennewick, Richland, Wash.) (Nov. 4) “Dolly Hello’s It” p. 5: Mrs. Ed (Mary Lou) Critchlow, right, sat atop the piano alongside chorus girl Mrs. Frank (Millie) Swanberg, at Tri-City Country club which Thursday night will turn itself into a suffragette party at women’s division “Staggette.” 1983 Salem Alaton Globe and Mail (Toronto, Can.) (May 21) “Joining the brotherhood of married man” p. F7: The old bridal shower is being joined by the stagette. The proceedings are mainly a mimicry of the male event, with an emphasis on drinking and rough talk and a male stripper is becoming mandatory.

Posted 7 Jul 04 | Permalink | Tell a Friend