scullion
/ˈskʌlɪən
/noun archaic
A servant assigned the most menial kitchen tasks.Simnel, a mere pawn, was pardoned and set to work as a scullion in the royal kitchens, living out the rest of his life in safe obscurity....
- It traces from Norman times into Victorian, although its definition of ‘servant’ is rather broad, seemingly from the lowest scullion to the Queen Elizabeth's Chief Gentlewoman, Blanch Parry.
- For example, in 1386, when criticised in parliament for his choice of advisers, he said that he would not dismiss one scullion from his kitchen at their request.
Origin
Late 15th century: of unknown origin but perhaps influenced by scullery.