PARLOURMAID Meaning and
Definition
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A parlourmaid is a noun that refers to a female domestic servant who works in the formal living rooms or parlours of a large household, typically in a grand mansion or estate. The term parlourmaid originated in Britain during the Victorian and Edwardian eras when the employment of domestic staff was common among the upper class.
The duties of a parlourmaid usually encompass a range of tasks related to the upkeep and maintenance of the parlour area. This may include cleaning, dusting, tidying, and arranging furniture, as well as polishing silverware and other decorative objects. A parlourmaid is often responsible for serving and attending to guests in the parlour, ensuring their comfort and providing refreshments as required. They may also aid in the preparation of formal meals or events, working closely with other domestic staff members.
Parlourmaids are known for their impeccable manners, discretion, and grace. They are expected to be well-presented and to exhibit polite and respectful behavior while in the presence of the family and their guests. In many households, the parlourmaid serves as a crucial link between the family members and other members of the domestic staff, acting as a central point of communication.
With the decline of traditional household roles and the changing social dynamics, the role of a parlourmaid has become much less common in contemporary society. However, the term parlourmaid continues to be used as a historical reference to a specific type of domestic servant employed in formal living areas.
Common Misspellings for PARLOURMAID
- oarlourmaid
- larlourmaid
- -arlourmaid
- 0arlourmaid
- pzrlourmaid
- psrlourmaid
- pwrlourmaid
- pqrlourmaid
- paelourmaid
- padlourmaid
- paflourmaid
- patlourmaid
- pa5lourmaid
- pa4lourmaid
- parkourmaid
- parpourmaid
- paroourmaid
- parliurmaid
- parlkurmaid
Etymology of PARLOURMAID
The word "parlourmaid" is derived from two components: "parlour" and "maid".
The term "parlour" originated from the Old French word "parlur", which means "a speaking" or "a talking". It referred to a room designated for conversation and entertaining guests in a house. Over time, "parlour" specifically came to represent a formal sitting or living room in British homes.
The word "maid" comes from the Middle English word "mayde", which means a young unmarried woman, especially one employed in domestic service. It has its roots in Old English "mægden" or "mæden".
Therefore, a "parlourmaid" originally referred to a young unmarried woman who worked in the formal sitting or living room of a household, assisting with various household tasks such as serving guests, maintaining the cleanliness of the room, and helping with social functions.
Similar spelling words for PARLOURMAID
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