croupier
/ˈkruːpɪə
/ /ˈkruːpɪeɪ/noun
1The person in charge of a gaming table, responsible for gathering in and paying out money or tokens.Over 60 percent of the casino employees, including food and beverage workers, croupiers, housekeepers, store personnel and security staff, were involved....
- Sure we could work there as croupiers, waiters, dealers, busboys, janitors and all, but we weren't allowed to gamble.
- Surveillance, security, croupiers, inspectors and pit bosses are all on the look-out for regulars who get desperate.
2 historical The assistant chairman at a public dinner, seated at the lower end of the table.
Origin
Early 18th century (denoting a person standing behind a gambler to give advice): French, from Old French cropier 'pillion rider, rider on the croup', related to Old French croupe (see croup2). Compare with crupper.