Soubrette
DEFINITION
A stock character in French theatre and in operas of the 18th century, the soubrette is usually a clever servant girl that is a secondary character involved in the drama. Often refers to a coquettish female character, typically a maid, sung in comic opera or operetta by a light soprano voice. Typical soubrettes are Despina in cosi fan tutte and Susanna in the marriage of Figaro.