Dictionary

old-maidish en · ADJ

Etymology

From old maid + -ish.

Meanings

1. Like an old maid; prim; precise; particular.
   • ‘You must forgive me,’ he said. ‘I take a ridiculous pleasure in what I eat and drink. It comes partly from being a bachelor, but mostly from a habit of taking a lot of trouble over details. It’s very pernickety and old-maidish really, but then when I’m working I generally have to eat my meals alone and it makes them more interesting when one takes trouble.’ 1953, Ian Fleming, chapter 8, in Casino Royale, page 48:
   • At thirty-six, I'm no bargain in the marriage market. But Aunt Emily in Toronto, still single at fifty-six, is even more old-maidish than I am and yet she refuses the label. 1982, Joy Kogawa, Obasan, page 8:

Forms