Why are the ladies assisting the Queen called "ladies in waiting"?

Question

Why are the ladies assisting the Queen called "ladies in waiting"?

Answer 1

The same reason a waiter is called a waiter. In old English waiter and attending to or awaiting instructions, were similar.

Answer 2

because such a person A-waits the Queen's pleasure.

They are usually companionable and useful people known to the Queen who keep her company in-between meeting the lord mayor of Codswallop and launching the new battleship.

They also keep supplies of money, tissues etc for Her Maj.

Answer 3

The women are titled aristocrats,hence the "lady," and they wait,or give assistance to the Queen.They are not servants,but noble women who are able to advise the Queen,be a companion to the Queen,take on social correspondence for the Queen...menial tasks are performed by servants. Ladies-in-waiting are able to attend social functions with her Majesty,go on official tours,meet and mingle with diplomats and foreign leaders,act as buffers between the Queen and over-eager,over-talkative people who wish to meet Her Majesty.