footman
[foo t-muh n]
- a liveried servant who attends the door or carriage, waits on table, etc.
- a metal stand before a fire, to keep something hot.
- Archaic. an infantryman.
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Origin of footman
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
servantattendantstewardwaitressgoferlackeydrudgesycophantsnobtoadyfootmanhelpervassalknaveblackguardpageslavertrayservitorsalverExamples from the Web for footman
Contemporary Examples
A footman was summoned and told to go down to the kitchens where the chefs on duty were severely reprimanded.
After graduating in June 2011, he applied for a job as a footman at Buckingham Palace, and started there in February 2012.
On my visit, I was attended by a footman and a lady dressed in period attire.
Historical Examples
Still the footman said 'Walk in,' so the visitor followed him.
Little DorritCharles Dickens
I told my steward to be ready, as well as my other man-servant and my mother's footman.
My Double LifeSarah Bernhardt
With these words I rang for my footman to show the Prefect of Police to the door.
My Double LifeSarah Bernhardt
Perhaps the Boar's Head had something to do with it, but certainly the footman had.
Life And Adventures Of Martin ChuzzlewitCharles Dickens
Ormond did very positively desire it, and the footman obeyed.
Tales And Novels, Volume 9 (of 10)Maria Edgeworth
footman
- a male servant, esp one in livery
- a low four-legged metal stand used in a fireplace for utensils, etc
- (formerly) a foot soldier
- any of several arctiid moths related to the tiger moths, esp the common footman (Eilema lurideola), with yellowish hind wings and brown forewings with a yellow front stripe; they produce woolly bear larvae
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for footman
n.
c.1300, "foot soldier;" late 14c., "one who goes on foot;" as a personal attendant, originally one who ran before or alongside his master's carriage, announcing its arrival (and keeping it from tipping over). The modern, non-jogging servant sense is from c.1700, though the running footmen still were in service mid-18c. From foot (n.) + man (n.).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper