The spelling of the word "wimples" can be a bit confusing because of its unusual pronunciation. The IPA phonetic transcription for "wimples" is /ˈwɪmpəlz/. This means that the "w" is pronounced like a "wh" sound, the "i" is pronounced like an "ih" sound, the "mp" is pronounced like "m", and the "les" is pronounced like "lz". So, even though the spelling might look like "wim-ples", the correct pronunciation is "whim-uls". "Wimples" refers to a type of cloth worn over a woman's head and neck in medieval times.
Wimples are garments or articles of clothing that are typically worn by women and cover the head, neck, and sometimes the shoulders. They have been historically used as a form of head covering associated with modesty and religious practices. Wimples were prevalent in medieval Europe and were often worn by women as a symbol of their piety and devotion.
Traditionally, wimples consisted of a large piece of cloth that was folded or pinned around the head, encasing the hair and framing the face. They were often accompanied by a chinstrap or veil that helped secure the wimple in place. Wimples could be made from a variety of materials such as linen, silk, or wool, depending on the wearer's social status and the occasion.
Over time, the design and purpose of wimples evolved. In modern usage, the term "wimple" is used more broadly to refer to any type of head covering, especially those associated with religious attire. This can include veils, coifs, hoods, or other similar headpieces.
The word "wimple" can also be used metaphorically to describe a person who is submissive, meek, or lacking in assertiveness. It suggests a person who easily yields to others or avoids confrontation. This usage draws on the concept of the wimple as a symbol of humility and modesty, implying that the individual is timid or passive in nature.
The word "wimples" can be traced back to Middle English, deriving from the Old English word "wimpel". The Old English term itself was borrowed from the Old High German word "wimpal", which referred to a covering or veil worn over the head and neck, particularly by women. The root of "wimpel" can be traced to the Proto-Germanic word "wimpilaz". The use of wimples in clothing for women, particularly as part of medieval attire, was common in Europe during the Middle Ages. Over time, the word "wimple" came to refer specifically to a cloth covering worn by women around the neck and chin, especially as a part of religious habits or headdresses.