moll
Meaning
A gangster's female companion or girlfriend.
A prostitute.
Usage
The notorious gangster was always seen with his moll at the speakeasy.
In classic noir films, the private detective often gets information from a gangster's moll.
She was more than just a moll; she was a trusted partner in his criminal schemes.
Etymology
The word "moll" has a colorful history rooted in English criminal slang of the 17th century. It originated as a familiar, generic term for a woman, derived from the common female name "Moll," a pet form of "Mary." Within the underworld lexicon, it became specifically attached to the female companions of thieves and gangsters, reflecting their association with a life of crime. Over time, its meaning narrowed further, often carrying the connotation of a prostitute, solidifying its place in the vocabulary of crime and the demimonde.
Analysis
The word "moll" is a simplex loanword, adopted as a whole from English slang. It is a clipping and alteration of the female given name "Mary," which itself originates from the Hebrew name "Miriam."