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A debutante, also spelled débutante (/ ˈdɛbjʊtɑːnt / DEB-yuu-tahnt; from French: débutante [debytɑ̃t], 'female beginner'), or deb is a young woman of aristocratic or upper-class family background who has reached maturity and is presented to society at a formal "debut" (UK: / ˈdeɪbjuː, ˈdɛbjuː / DAY-bew, DEB-yoo, US: / deɪˈbjuː / day-BEW; French:...
The word itself is French, most literally the feminine meaning “one who makes a first appearance.” Though debutante events traditionally signaled that a girl was at an appropriate age to start considering marriage, at their most basic, debutante traditions are coming-of-age events.
The term comes from French, and can be translated as "beginner". In those days, a young lady of quality could not meet anyone unless they were introduced to her. This introduction could happen at an event (such as a ball) which was part of the 'season'.
Debutante, a young woman who is making a formal entrance into society. So-called debutante balls, dating back to at least the 18th century, were originally intended as an avenue through which to present young women eligible for marriage to prospective high-society partners.
- Alison Eldridge
- What Did Debutantes Wear?
- When Was The First Debutante Ball?
- Who Could Become A Debutante?
- Debutantes Around The World
- Do We Still Have Debutante Balls Today?
MacCarthy recalled that: “Preparations for the Season had gone on for several months before the presentations.” Debutantes spent a few months in a finishing school prior to their presentation, learning a foreign language and perfecting their dancing, deportment and the all-important royal curtsey. A new wardrobe was essential. MacCarthy recalled th...
The presentation of aristocratic young women to the monarch at the English court is a tradition that dates from at least the reign of Elizabeth I(1558–1603), who chose her ladies-in-waiting from prominent families. The structure of the social season that endured until 1958, however, emerged in the reign of King George III in response to the changin...
The social background of the debutantes presented at the British court slowly began to expand during the reign of Queen Victoria. An 1859 etiquette manual by James Hogg, The Habits of Good Society, stated that in addition to members of the aristocracy: “The wives and daughters of the clergy, of military and naval officers, of physicians and barrist...
The practice of elite young women entering society through a formal debutante presentation soon spread around the world. In the wider British empire, debutantes were presented to the Viceroy, Governor, or, after the Dominions achieved self-government, the Governor General. In Canada, Governor Lord Elgin held a levee in Bytown (now Ottawa) in 1853 w...
In recent decades, there has been a revival of interest in the presentation of debutantes. Historical dramas including Downton Abbey and Bridgerton have depicted wealthy young women making their debut in society in the presence of members of the royal family. The Queen Charlotte’s Ball was revived in the 21st century by former debutante Jenny Halla...
Explore the term 'debutante,' its origins, historical development, cultural implications, and its significance in modern society. Discover related terms, synonyms, and famous examples.
The meaning of DEBUTANTE is one making a debut : debutant; especially : a young woman making her formal entrance into society.
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