Pronunciation: [tˈa͡ɪ͡əwʊmən] (IPA) 
The word "tirewoman" is spelled with "ti-" ("tai-") rather than "ty-" ("tai-") as one might expect. This is because it comes from the Old English word "tīger" which was pronounced with a hard "g". Over time, the "g" softened into a "y" sound but the spelling remained the same. The word itself refers to a female dresser or attendant, particularly one who dressed hair or put on attire.
Tirewoman is a term primarily used in historical context and refers to a woman who worked as a lady's maid or dressmaker in a privileged household, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries. The name "tirewoman" originates from the French word "tireur," which means to dress or attire.
Tirewomen played a crucial role in assisting noblewomen and ladies of high social status in matters of fashion and style. They were skilled in creating and maintaining ornate hairstyles, arranging wigs, and adorning them with various accessories such as ribbons, feathers, or jewels. They were also responsible for selecting and creating the appropriate clothing and accessories for each occasion, ensuring that their mistresses appeared fashionable and in line with the latest trends.
In addition to their fashion-related tasks, tirewomen often acted as confidantes to their mistresses, offering advice, discussing matters of etiquette, and helping with personal grooming. They were well-versed in the intricacies of courtly behavior and were instrumental in teaching their mistresses the appropriate manners and social graces expected of women of their social standing.
The role of tirewoman gradually diminished as women gained more independence and became more involved in choosing and arranging their own attire. However, the term continues to denote a historical figure that played a crucial role in fashion and grooming during a certain era of European aristocracy.
The word "tirewoman" comes from the Middle English term "tyrewoman", which was derived from the Old English word "tyrian" or "tirian", meaning "to attire" or "to dress". The suffix "-woman" is added to indicate a female practitioner or expert in the field. Originally, a "tirewoman" referred to a woman who made, arranged, or assisted in the dressing or attiring of other women, particularly in relation to their hair or headdress. Over time, the term has evolved and fallen out of common usage.
