Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
quean
noun
/kwiːn/
Definition
An old-fashioned term that originally referred to a woman, particularly one who is considered promiscuous or of low social standing.
Examples
- The old tales sometimes depicted the quean as a trickster, leading young men astray.
- In villages, the term ‘quean’ was often whispered behind backs, used to describe certain kinds of women.
Meaning
The word often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of virtue or respectability.
Synonyms
- Harlot
- Strumpet
- Prostitute
