callboy

[ kawl-boi ]

noun

1. a boy or man who summons actors, as from their dressing rooms, shortly before they are due to go on stage.
2. a bellhop.
3. Also call boy. a male prostitute who arranges appointments with clients by telephone.
4. Also call-boy, call boy. Railroads Slang. a railroad employee responsible for ensuring that members of a train crew are on hand for their regular runs and for notifying them of an extra run.

callboy

/ ˈkɔːlˌbɔɪ /

noun

1. a person who notifies actors when it is time to go on stage

Word History and Origins

Origin of callboy¹

First recorded in 1835–45; call + boy

Example Sentences

"They are stamping their feet, madame," the callboy once more cried.

From Project Gutenberg

The sharp, insistent voice of the callboy broke in on her flow of excuses.

From Project Gutenberg

In the passage the callboy was yelling at the top of his shrill voice, "They've knocked!"

From Project Gutenberg