scullion

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   historical: a low-ranking kitchen servant who performed menial work such as cleaning pots and dishes

   The scullion scrubbed the heavy cooking pots after the banquet.

2. 2
   noun

   archaic or insulting: a contemptible or low person

   The angry noble dismissed his opponent as a scullion.

Probably from Old French souillon, 'dirty servant,' altered under the influence of scullery; another proposed source is Old French escouillon, 'swab.' The occupational term named the lowest kitchen servant and later became a general insult for a base person.

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