A role in Chinese opera for a dignified, virtuous middle-aged or young woman, typically focused on singing and named for the black clothes often worn; also called 正旦zhèngdàn.
black clothes
Black or dark blue clothes; in historical contexts, these often referred to the everyday clothing of low-ranking officials or commoners.
servant
(literary) A person of low status, such as a servant, maid, or minor official, who traditionally wore black clothing.
