late 12c., from Anglo-French buteillier "cup-bearer," from Old French boteillier "cup-bearer, butler, officer in charge of wine," from boteille "wine vessel, bottle" (see bottle (n.)). The word reflects the position's original function as "chief servant in charge of wine." In Old French, fem. boteilliere was used of the Virgin Mary as "dispenser" of the cup of Mercy.
双语例句
1. They had a butler, a cook, and a maid.
他们有一个男管家、一个厨师和一个女佣。
来自柯林斯例句
2. The butler always laid the table.
每次都是男管家把餐具摆好。
来自柯林斯例句
3. The butler gave a little cough to announce his presence.