Definition of "Virginia"

We, whose names are underwritten, the loyall Subjects of our dread Soveraigne Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britaine, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. Having undertaken for the glorie of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and the honor of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first Colonie in the Northerne parts of Virginia; doe by these Presents, solemnly and mutually, in the Presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civill Body politike, for our better ordering and preservation, and furtherance of the ends aforesaid:[...]

1622 , “Mayflower Compact”, in Purchas His Pilgrimes‎, page 313

"Daughter," quoth he, "Virginia by thy name, / There be two wayes, either death or shame, / That thou must suffer, - alas that I was bore!

1380s-1390s, Geoffrey Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales: The Physician's Tale

Here, in due time, she was brought to bed of a daughter, whom she christened by the name of Virginia; not so much out of respect to her last mistress, who bore that name, as because she considered it peculiarly ladylike and genteel.

1840, Frederick Marryat, chapter III, in Poor Jack

O sweet Virginia Dare! / Thou art the lily of our love, / The forest's sylph-like queen, / The first-born bud from Saxon stem / That this New World hath seen!

1854, Lydia Howard Sigourney, The Western Home, and Other Poems, Parry & McMillan, published 1854, page 87

She said her name was Virginia Severson. It suited her. She looked very virginal, and clean, calm, cool in a Scandinavian sort of way.

1956, Charlotte Armstrong, A Dram of Poison, Coward-McCann, pages 164–165