servant

Definition

One who is hired to perform regular household or other duties, and receives compensation. As opposed to a slave.

Etymology

From Middle English servaunt, from Old French servant, from the present participle of the verb servir. Doublet of sergeant and servient. Morphologically serve + -ant. Displaced native Old English þeġn.

Example Sentences

• "There are three servants in the household, the butler and two maids."
• "In the great houses, servants out of livery help to the different plats, servants in livery holding the dishes, sauces, etc., and changing the plates."
• "As a political system democracy seems to me extraordinarily foolish, but I would not go out of my way to protest against it. My servant is, so far as I am concerned, welcome to as many votes as he can get. I would very gladly make mine over to him if I could."