silent butler

noun

1. a small receptacle having a handle and a hinged lid, used for collecting the contents of ashtrays, crumbs from a dinner table, etc., for disposal.

Word History and Origins

Origin of silent butler¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Why is Fred handed an overcoat at various times by a silent butler?

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His face was so expressionless, his mouth so tightly closed, and his air of concentration on the business in hand so intense, that he seemed the perfect type of the silent butler.

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They had wine to dinner, and were waited on by a discreet and silent butler.

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The silent butler waiting on the guests had appeared behind the doctor's chair, and was saying something in the low, level tones of the well-trained servant.

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The silent butler drew forward a chair for Orde, and stood looking impassively in Mrs. Bishop's direction.

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