callboy

[ kawl-boi ]

noun

1. a boy or man who summons actors, as from their dressing rooms, shortly before they are due to go on stage.
2. a bellhop.
3. Also call boy. a male prostitute who arranges appointments with clients by telephone.
4. Also call-boy, call boy. Railroads Slang. a railroad employee responsible for ensuring that members of a train crew are on hand for their regular runs and for notifying them of an extra run.

callboy

/ ˈkɔːlˌbɔɪ /

noun

1. a person who notifies actors when it is time to go on stage

Word History and Origins

Origin of callboy¹

First recorded in 1835–45; call + boy

Example Sentences

The callboy had disappeared, but one of the company who was to play the part of Hero, already dressed, was just descending to the greenroom.

From Project Gutenberg

British-born King began his 60-year career in the theater at the age of 14 as a callboy, and by 1925 achieved matinee-idol status portraying Fran�ois Villon in Rudolf Friml's musical The Vagabond King.

From Time Magazine Archive

He earned his spending money as a newsboy, a railroad callboy, a freight hustler, a farm hand and a cub reporter on the Bakersfield Californian.

From Time Magazine Archive

He is a plain, blunt man who started his career as a callboy, vaguely resembles John L. Lewis, is publicly crotchety and privately pleasant.

From Time Magazine Archive

White-haired, Illinois-born Railroader Sprague came up the hard way: callboy telegrapher, machinist's apprentice, fireman, etc.

From Time Magazine Archive