butler
pronunciation
How to pronounce butler in British English:
UK [ˈbʌtlə(r)]
How to pronounce butler in American English:
US [ˈbʌtlə]
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- Noun:
- a manservant (usually the head servant of a household) who has charge of wines and the table
Word Origin
- butler
- butler: see bottle
- butler (n.)
- late 12c., from Anglo-French buteillier "cup-bearer," from Old French boteillier "cup-bearer, butler, officer in charge of wine," from boteille "wine vessel, bottle" (see bottle (n.)). The word reflects the position's original function as "chief servant in charge of wine." In Old French, fem. boteilliere was used of the Virgin Mary as "dispenser" of the cup of Mercy.
Example
- 1. These staff members include her former chauffeur , nurse and butler .
- 2. Nancy smiled and thanked the butler .
- 3. Such is a day in the life of the 21st-century butler .
- 4. They expect a personal butler to fetch them and fuss over them .
- 5. It 's the perfect business model for our times . The occasional butler for the occasionally rich .