Both Uses of
chaste
in
Measure for Measure
- Then, Isabel, live chaste, and, brother, die: More than our brother is our chastity.†
Scene 2.4 *chaste = not having sexual intercourse (ever, outside of marriage, or for a long time); or not involving sexual desire
- In brief,—to set the needless process by, How I persuaded, how I pray'd, and kneel'd, How he refell'd me, and how I replied,— For this was of much length,—the vile conclusion I now begin with grief and shame to utter: He would not, but by gift of my chaste body To his concupiscible intemperate lust, Release my brother; and, after much debatement, My sisterly remorse confutes mine honour, And I did yield to him.†
Scene 5.1
Definitions:
-
(1)
(chaste as in: remained chaste) not having sex; or not involving sexual desireThe exact meaning of not having sex depends upon context. It can mean
- to be a virgin (never have sex)
- to be sexually inactive currently or for a long time
- to not have sex outside of marriage
-
(2)
(meaning too rare to warrant focus) Much less commonly, chaste can refer to an unornamented simple style.