FOOTMAN Meaning and
Definition
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A footman is a noun that primarily refers to a male servant who works in a household, often in a role of fairly low-ranking domestic service. Traditionally, footmen were employed in grand households or aristocratic families and were responsible for a variety of duties, such as attending to the door, serving meals, running errands, and assisting guests. They were easily recognizable by their distinctive livery, which typically consisted of a knee-length coat, breeches, and a powdered wig. In addition to their domestic tasks, footmen sometimes accompanied their masters or mistresses on outdoor journeys while riding on foot.
Over time, the role of footmen has evolved, and in modern times, the term can also refer to runners or attendants in establishments such as hotels or royal households. In these contexts, footmen may perform tasks such as opening doors, carrying luggage, or providing assistance to guests. The term "footman" can be used to describe both male and female individuals performing these roles.
Furthermore, "footman" can also more generally describe a soldier or military servant who serves on foot rather than on horseback or in a more specialized role. In this sense, the term is often used in historical or period contexts to depict a specific type of infantryman or a non-officer member of a cavalry regiment.
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A soldier who fights on foot; a servant in livery.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for FOOTMAN
Etymology of FOOTMAN
The word "footman" originated from Middle English, where "fotman" (meaning "foot soldier") was used in the 15th century. It is a compound term formed from the Middle English words "fot" (foot) and "man" (man). Originally, a footman referred to a soldier who fought on foot, particularly during medieval times. However, over time, the term evolved to refer to a domestic servant who performed duties such as attending to travel-related tasks, carrying luggage, or accompanying a person on foot.
Similar spelling words for FOOTMAN
- FEDMAN,
- vitamin-deficiency,
- Footmen,
- vitamine,
- high-vitamin,
- vatmen,
- Thesaurus:vitamin,
- vitamin-a,
- fatman,
- FTMIN,
- vitamin-rich,
- feddeman,
- fadiman,
- vitamin,
- HFTEMAN,
- Vietminh,
- vatman,
- vitamin-enriched,
- VAdmn,
- Vadimony,
- photomania,
- protein-vitamin.
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