footman

[ foot-muhn ]

noun

, plural foot·men.

1. a liveried servant who attends the door or carriage, waits on table, etc.
2. a metal stand before a fire, to keep something hot.
3. Archaic. an infantryman.

footman

/ ˈfʊtmən /

noun

1. a male servant, esp one in livery
2. a low four-legged metal stand used in a fireplace for utensils, etc
3. (formerly) a foot soldier
4. any of several arctiid moths related to the tiger moths, esp the common footman ( Eilema lurideola ), with yellowish hind wings and brown forewings with a yellow front stripe; they produce woolly bear larvae

Other Words From

• under·footman noun plural underfootmen

Word History and Origins

Origin of footman¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, footman is from the Middle English word fotman. See foot, man

Example Sentences

They were flanked by two big footmen in powdered wigs and braided coats, satin knee britches and white stockings.

From Literature

Guy Hunting, a published author and previously a footman at Buckingham Palace, has been a resident for 14 years.

From BBC

Dru Marshall, 26, of Romsey, Hampshire, claimed to be a senior footman at Windsor Castle when he listed an "antler walking stick" for auction.

From BBC

Maybe he would pay the staff more, promote the Black footmen or at least give them some better treatment.

From Salon

“The turnover of a footman is notoriously high!”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• server
• waitperson
• waitress