handmaiden

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hand|maiden /h'ændmeɪdən/ (handmaidens)
1 [N-COUNT]
A handmaiden is a female servant. (LITERARY, OLD-FASHIONED)
2 [N-COUNT] N of/to n
If one thing is the handmaiden of another, the first thing helps the second or makes it possible. (FORMAL)
The fear is that science could become the handmaiden of industry.

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abreast

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ablaze

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allowance

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