(n) :
a popular
fairy tale embodying a classic folk tale myth-element of unjust
oppression and triumphant
reward, of which there were hundreds of versions before modern times; the main
character in this story, a
mistreated and
impoverished girl. At a
royal ball she meets a handsome
prince who later identifies her with a dropped article, most commonly a
slipper, and removes her from her poverty