( in full the Young Women’s Christian Association )
a Christian organization, similar to but separate from the YMCA (1). Its main role used to be providing safe and cheap accommodation for young women living away from home, but in Britain and the US this has now mostly been replaced by a service giving support and advice to girls and young women who are experiencing problems. It was established in Britain in 1855 and now operates in many countries around the world.
See also Y .