— grasswidowhood , n.
1. a woman who is separated, divorced, or lives apart from her husband.
2. a woman whose husband is away from home frequently or for a long time, as on business or to pursue a sport or hobby.
3. Archaic.
a. a discarded mistress.
b. a woman who has borne an illegitimate child.
[ 1520-30; the first element perh. orig. alluding to a bed of grass, hay, or the like; cf. D grasweduwe, G Strohwittwe lit., straw-widow ]