SERVANT Meaning and
Definition
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A servant is an individual who performs tasks or provides service to another person or a household. Typically hired or employed by someone who requires assistance with various domestic duties, a servant is responsible for carrying out a wide range of prescribed tasks. These may include cleaning, cooking, and maintaining the general upkeep of the household, as well as attending to the needs and requests of their employer.
Servants often work under the direction of their employer, who defines the specific tasks to be completed and the standards required. This hierarchical relationship is characterized by a subservient position held by the servant, who is expected to execute their assigned responsibilities diligently and efficiently. As an integral part of household management, a servant’s role is crucial in ensuring the smooth running of daily activities and maintaining a comfortable living environment.
Historically, the concept of servants dates back centuries, when higher-ranking individuals in society would maintain a staff of household servants. Throughout different eras, the status and treatment of servants have varied significantly, ranging from indentured labor to being highly regarded members of the household. In modern times, the idea of servants has evolved, and the term is often used more broadly to describe individuals employed in various service-oriented occupations, such as hotel or restaurant workers.
Overall, a servant is defined by their role in assisting others and carrying out tasks that contribute to the overall functioning of a household or establishment.
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A person employed by another for labour, and to be at his command; to serve in, to belong to and do duty in, as in the army or navy; to serve one out, to retaliate upon; to requite; to serve one's self, to act as one's own servant; to take or use without help; to avail one's self of; to serve out, to distribute in portions; to serve up, to place on the table, as dressed food; to serve a writ or summons, to read it to the defendant, or more usually, to leave an attested copy at his residence; to serve a warrant, to show or read it to the person against whom it is issued, and to seize his person; to serve an execution, to seize or take possession of lands, goods, or person, according as the law requires in the case; to serve an office, to discharge the duties of a public office; time-server, one who regulates his actions by the requirements of the times instead of by duty; one who meanly complies; a servant of servants, one debased to the lowest condition of servitude; your humble servant, your obedient servant, &c., conventional phrases of civility at the close of a letter, coming immediately before the signature.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SERVANT *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SERVANT
Etymology of SERVANT
The word "servant" originated from Old French "servant", which was derived from the Latin word "serviens" (genitive: "servientis") meaning "servant" or "slave". The Latin term was developed from the verb "servire" meaning "to serve" or "to be a slave". Ultimately, the Latin word can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root word "*serwos" which also meant "slave" or "servant".
Idioms with the word SERVANT
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Fire is a good servant but a bad master.
The idiom "Fire is a good servant but a bad master" means that while fire can be beneficial and useful when controlled and utilized properly, it can become destructive and dangerous if not handled with caution and care. It serves as a metaphor warning against the potential dangers of letting things get out of control or disregarding the potential risks.
Similar spelling words for SERVANT
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