noun (n)

• in a subordinate position(noun.state)

  Example:
  Theology should be the handmaiden of ethics.
  

  Synonym:
  handmaiden, servant
  

  source: wordnet30
• a personal maid or female attendant(noun.person)

  Synonym:
  handmaiden
  

  source: wordnet30
• A maid that waits at hand; a female servant or attendant.(noun)

  source: webster1913