Rosaline

/ˈrɑzəlɪn/ noun

Definition

A female given name, also a character in Shakespeare's 'As You Like It' who disguises herself as a boy named Ganymede.

Etymology

From Old German 'Rosalind,' combining 'ros' (horse) and 'lind' (soft/tender), or alternatively from Latin 'rosalinda' meaning 'rose-like' or beautiful as a rose. It became popular as a literary name through Shakespeare.

Kelly Says

Rosaline in 'As You Like It' was groundbreaking—she's arguably Shakespeare's first feminist character, using disguise to gain freedom and choose her own husband rather than be chosen!

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