E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Bower-woman (A).
A lady’s maid and companion. The attendants were admitted to considerable freedom of speech, and were treated with familiarity and kindness. (“Bower” to rhyme with flower.)
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“‘This maiden,’ replied Eveline, ‘is my bower-woman, and acquainted with my most inward thoughts. I beseech you to permit her presence at our conference.’”—Sir W. Scott: The Betrothed, chap. xi.
