The common term in New England for a domestic servant--also for the operatives in a cotton or woolen factory.
Newman. I speak; I command; all budge; all jump. I don't often stand to hear servants argue.
Doolittle. Servants argue! Do you mean me, Mister?
Newman. I say, all that wear the Countess's livery, serve her. You are a footman; you have not the honor of being her body servant.
Doolittle. Body servant! Hah! no; I hope I ben't her body servant, nor anybody's servant, nor your servant. I don't choose to be a servant of servants, and a slave to the devil.
(High words follow, Doolittle gets into a passion--Newman becomes alarmed, and thus explains himself:)
Newman. You are our principal help. That is all. I told you at first I wanted you to help the Countess. You know that is a descriptive term in New England. Help is not a discreditable name--not at all derogatory. There is nothing degrading in helping, is there?
Doolittle. Why--no--I believe there an't. You now begin to seem rational, and I'll make up with you.--D. Humphreys, The Yankee in England, Act I.
The common name in New England for servants, and for the operatives in a cotton or woollen factory.