Not at all, but a lack of context implies the most basic meaning. A highly specific meaning does not make sense for the unmodified word.
Inherently the AS themselves provide the context to the word, giving it the highly specific connotation.
Because Moiraine is the most reliable source. 
Normally I'd agree with you, but in this case she's actually spot on
The context does that to the word "aiel." During the AoL there were thousands of years of the Aiel serving Aes Sedai. If that had not happened, the word would not have taken on the subtext of such deep dedication.
Actually it's just as possible that the word Aiel was applied to them because of the meaning. What I'm getting at is that servants of the servants were given the name Aiel when they "signed" the Covenant with the AS. Just a random thought.
Except for the fact that not a single person in 12 main line, one prequel, and one "Encyclopedia" have mentioned this alternate meaning? Sure, "sedai" could have alternate meanings, but we have absolutely no evidence that it does. As such, we should assume the most common translation while reading it, not a far fetched meaning that includes high philosophic concepts.
Seems to me that when a word like sedai, or aiel or asha'man is made into a Title it adds a new level to the existing meaning of the word. Much like calling someone a dragon lady means she's a b*tch, but calling Min a Dragon Lady means something totally different. When Rand describes the meaning of asha'man as being a guardian, but more, it makes me think that Aes Sedai is in fact a "servant", but more... I don't recall ever being told what exactly the AS serve, and given the quasi-religious function of the Tower I don't think it's a stretch to view them as Servants of the Light (or the Pattern, or the Creator etc...). Although in the AoL it seems likely that the meaning was probably somewhat different as the AS had vastly different public roles than the current group.
Domani Drag Queen in the White Tower ... Aran'gar watch out!
It just occured to me
- 31/12/2009 10:12:12 AM
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I tink they did
- 31/12/2009 10:52:32 AM
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Yeah, you are right, checked it. For example, Mierin Sedai is mentioned! *NM*
- 31/12/2009 11:02:11 AM
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Re: It just occured to me
- 31/12/2009 11:07:29 AM
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Depends on what the actual translation is...
- 31/12/2009 04:49:54 PM
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The translation...
- 31/12/2009 06:17:07 PM
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Look at M'Hael
- 31/12/2009 08:12:35 PM
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No...
- 31/12/2009 08:19:18 PM
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And Sedai is not a title?
- 31/12/2009 08:47:03 PM
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Nope, it is an honorific.
- 31/12/2009 09:31:37 PM
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You're really splitting hairs...
- 01/01/2010 04:06:02 PM
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That's why I said I was.
- 01/01/2010 06:19:22 PM
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My 2 cents... which may only be worth 1 
- 01/01/2010 06:39:52 PM
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- 01/01/2010 06:39:52 PM
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I'll cash that check, but I doubt my bank will care much. 
- 01/01/2010 06:49:25 PM
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- 01/01/2010 06:49:25 PM
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Re: I'll cash that check, but I doubt my bank will care much.
- 01/01/2010 07:27:57 PM
595 Views
- 01/01/2010 07:27:57 PM
595 Views
Re: I'll cash that check, but I doubt my bank will care much.
- 01/01/2010 07:37:17 PM
555 Views
- 01/01/2010 07:37:17 PM
555 Views
Re: I'll cash that check, but I doubt my bank will care much.
- 01/01/2010 08:08:58 PM
592 Views
- 01/01/2010 08:08:58 PM
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Re: I'll cash that check, but I doubt my bank will care much.
- 01/01/2010 09:05:45 PM
564 Views
- 01/01/2010 09:05:45 PM
564 Views
I think it's meant to be more like "public servant" than "household help" or "farmhand"
- 31/12/2009 07:11:28 PM
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They don't care. The meaning of the honorific is irrelevant - all significance comes from context
- 01/01/2010 06:08:40 AM
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