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noun

footman

Footman (noun) means Historically, a male servant who attended the door, carriage, or dining table of a wealthy household. Example: “A footman opened the carriage door for the guests.”

noun
1
Historically, a male servant who attended the door, carriage, or dining table of a wealthy household.
"A footman opened the carriage door for the guests."
2
A soldier who fights on foot rather than on horseback (archaic).
"The knights and footmen assembled before the battle."

How to use footman

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMostly known today as a livened household servant in period dramas, or historically a foot soldier.

Word forms

footmen plural, Footmans plural

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A _____ opened the carriage door for the guests.

Etymology

From Old English words for "foot" and "man," originally describing a foot soldier before shifting to mean a household servant.

Origin: Old English

Frequently asked questions

What does “footman” mean?

The word “footman” means historically, a male servant who attended the door, carriage, or dining table of a wealthy household. In plain terms, mostly known today as a livened household servant in period dramas, or historically a foot soldier.

How do you use “footman” in a sentence?

Here is “footman” used in a sentence: “A footman opened the carriage door for the guests.”

What part of speech is “footman”?

“Footman” is a noun.

Where does the word “footman” come from?

The word “footman” comes from Old English. From Old English words for "foot" and "man," originally describing a foot soldier before shifting to mean a household servant.

How many meanings does “footman” have?

“Footman” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: historically, a male servant who attended the door, carriage, or dining table of a wealthy household.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial