footman

[ foot-muhn ]

noun

, plural foot·men.

1. a liveried servant who attends the door or carriage, waits on table, etc.
2. a metal stand before a fire, to keep something hot.
3. Archaic. an infantryman.

footman

/ ˈfʊtmən /

noun

1. a male servant, esp one in livery
2. a low four-legged metal stand used in a fireplace for utensils, etc
3. (formerly) a foot soldier
4. 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

Other Words From

• under·footman noun plural underfootmen

Word History and Origins

Origin of footman¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, footman is from the Middle English word fotman. See foot, man

Example Sentences

A footman was summoned and told to go down to the kitchens where the chefs on duty were severely reprimanded.

From The Daily Beast

After graduating in June 2011, he applied for a job as a footman at Buckingham Palace, and started there in February 2012.

From The Daily Beast

On my visit, I was attended by a footman and a lady dressed in period attire.

From The Daily Beast

The Master of Ceremonies for the affair was dressed as the Royal Footman from Cinderella, Major Domo.

From The Daily Beast

On promotion to senior footman, a salary of £15,634 is paid.

From The Daily Beast

He presented his card to the corpulent and powdered footman; he was announced; he was ushered in.

From Project Gutenberg

An automobile therefore has the same rights and no more than those of a footman.

From Project Gutenberg

Her gentle summons was answered by a tall powdered footman in blue and silver livery.

From Project Gutenberg

Generally, there is but one horse, at the side of which both the coachman and footman run on foot.

From Project Gutenberg

Varney was on his way to the house before the footman had finished his halting explanation.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• server
• waitperson
• waitress