Abigail

Abigail, the wife of Nabal of Carmel, who refused to shelter David when he was pursued by Saul, for which act he would have been severely punished had not Abigail met the king with a present and a judicious speech. Nabal died a few days later, and David thereupon married Abigail (1 Sam. xxv.). The name has passed into a general appellation for all "handmaids," from the title used by Abigail in her address to David, although some derive the expression from Abigail Hill (Mrs. Masham), attendant on Queen Anne.