I. ˈvest ə l adjective
Etymology: Middle English vestalle, from Latin vestalis, from Vesta + Latin -alis -al
1. : of or relating to the Roman goddess Vesta
2.
a. : of or relating to a vestal virgin
b. : chaste
who, even in pure and vestal modesty, still blush — Shakespeare
• ves·tal·ly -təlē, -li adverb
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin vestalis, from vestalis, adjective
1. also vestal virgin
[ vestal virgin part translation of Latin vestalis virgo ]
a. : a virgin consecrated to the Roman goddess Vesta and to the service of watching the sacred fire perpetually kept burning upon her altar
b. : a pure and chaste woman (as a virgin or nun)
2. : a grayish purple to grayish reddish purple