In Europe, where the elderly are first considered, seats are placed around the room, somewhat high, for the chaperons, and at their feet sit the debutantes.
"Manners and Social Usages"
Mrs. John M. E. W. Sherwood
"Yes, the Rose-buds-the debutantes; it's an odious little word, but everybody uses it.
"April Hopes"
William Dean Howells Last Updated: February 27, 2009
They spoke of nothing else at Versailles for two days; after which, Madame la Comtesse d'Aubigne became, in her turn, a woman of experience, who judged the new debutantes severely, perhaps, every time that the occasion arose.
"The Memoirs of Madame de Montespan, Volume VI. Being the Historic Memoirs of the Court of Louis XIV."
Madame La Marquise De Montespan