unmarried men and women; painted ladies
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
unmarried men and women (in ancient times); later generally referring to men and women
archaicOriginally referred specifically to unmarried young people in classical texts. Later broadened to mean men and women in general, often carrying a literary or archaic flavor.
In ancient times, men and women could only marry after reaching adulthood.
Men and women coming and going made the street very lively.
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The men and women in the painting have flowing sleeves and look vividly alive.
noun
painted figures of ladies; traditional Chinese paintings depicting women (same as 仕女)
technicalSpecifically refers to a genre of traditional Chinese painting (figural painting) focusing on female figures, particularly court ladies or beautiful women.
This painting of ladies is by a famous Tang Dynasty master.
He is good at painting pictures of ladies with delicate brushwork.
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The theme of painted ladies was very popular in Song Dynasty art circles.