parlormaid

Drawing room attendant

A parlormaid is a domestic servant responsible for cleaning and maintaining the parlor and other reception rooms, as well as answering the door and serving guests.

The position was common in prosperous Victorian and Edwardian households, ranking between housemaid and lady's maid in the servant hierarchy.

The term is now largely historical: The parlormaid announced that dinner was served.

domestic

housekeeper

Domestic cleaning professional

  • butlerChief domestic servant
  • footmanUniformed domestic male attendant
  • valetPersonal servant or parker

cook · governess · steward · staff · uniform · apron · cap · livery · service · household

Victorian

manor

Landed aristocratic residence

society · drawing room · calling card · afternoon tea · chaperone · debutante · season · ballroom · etiquette · corset

duties

dusting

Removing surface grime

setting table · silver polishing · flower arranging · tea tray · decanter

hospitality

greeting

Expression of welcome

attentiveness · discretion · formality · presentation · service · guests · visitors · callers · reception · welcoming

Categories
Opposites
household staff hierarchy

parlormaidbutler

Chief domestic servant

lady's maid · housekeeper · valet · scullery maid · kitchen maid

servant vs. served

parlormaidlady of the house

Female head of household

master of the house · master · employer · aristocrat · gentleman

specialized domestic roles

parlormaidcook

Heat food for eating

kitchen maid · scullery maid · laundress · charwoman · chambermaid

Family

maid, parlor, parliament, maiden, parlance, barmaid, old maid, housemaid, maidenly

Familiarity
Top 1,000,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G