manservant

A manservant is a male domestic worker who is employed to serve in a household, often providing a range of personal and household assistance to their employer. Historically, manservants have played roles that include personal valet, butler, or general servant, depending on the size and structure of the household.

The term "manservant" originated in English and has been used since the Middle Ages, though its usage became more widespread during the Victorian era when large households employed multiple domestic staff. Responsibilities of a manservant could include attending to the personal needs of their employer, such as dressing, serving meals, managing household staff, and running errands.

In many traditional households, the manservant was a trusted and often long-term employee, sometimes holding a position of social importance within the household hierarchy. The role has largely declined in modern times due to changes in social customs, labor practices, and the advent of professional service providers. Today, the term is largely historical or used in a literary context, although some private households and luxury services still employ male personal assistants or butlers who perform similar functions.

Throughout history, portrayals of manservants have appeared frequently in literature, film, and television, often emphasizing class distinctions, loyalty, and formality. In contemporary usage, the concept is mostly confined to historical references or fictional settings. Despite its decline, the role of a manservant remains a notable part of the social history of domestic service.