lady-in-waiting

thumb|Princess Tatiana Alexandrovna Yusupova, a lady-in-waiting of the Imperial Court of Russia

A lady-in-waiting (alternatively written lady in waiting) or court lady is a female personal assistant at a court, attending on a royal woman or a high-ranking noblewoman. Historically, in Europe, a lady-in-waiting was often a noblewoman but of lower rank than the woman to whom she attended. Although she may, or may not have received financial or other compensation for her service, a lady-in-waiting was considered more of a secretary, courtier, or companion to her mistress than a servant.