Handmaiden (Noun)
Meaning 1
In a subordinate position; "theology should be the handmaiden of ethics"; "the state cannot be a servant of the church".
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- Economics should not be the handmaiden of politics, but rather a discipline that operates on its own principles.
- In a democratic society, the military must be the handmaiden of civilian authority.
- Many argue that science should be the handmaiden of technology, but this perspective overlooks the importance of basic research.
- Historically, the role of philosophy was often seen as the handmaiden of theology, but this relationship has evolved over time.
- Critics argue that in this system, the judiciary has become the handmaiden of the executive branch, undermining the independence of the courts.