1. Caryatid (n.) "carved, robed female figure used as a column," 1560s, from French cariatide, from Latin Caryatides, from Greek Karyatides (singular Karyatis) "priestesses of Artemis at Caryae" (Greek Karyai), a town in Laconia where dance festivals were held in Artemis' temple.Male figures in a like situation are Atlantes, plural of Atlas.Related: Caryatic.