varlet
1
9.9
A young person who serves a knight to learn fighting and service
- noun
- /ˈvɑr.lɪt/
- Archaic
:
paje
- As a varlet, he was tasked with caring for the knight's armor and horse.
Examples
-
Bringeth then, varlet, if thou be a man.
-
Hold, varlet!
-
Say again, where didst thou leave these varlets?
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The young varlet diligently served his lord, learning the ways of knighthood.
-
The varlet awaited orders eagerly, ready to fulfill his duties in the castle.
Synonyms
page
vsvarlet
253
7.9
A young person who helps at formal ceremonies
is specifically the first training stage serving a knight rather than general household duties
9
9.7
A young noble who helps a knight and trains to become one
is an earlier lower status stage before formal apprenticeship with a knight
1
9.9
A young man who serves a knight and trains to become one
is the initial serving stage before becoming a shield bearer or knighthood candidate
Surface Forms
Etymology
Varlet comes from Old French varlet, the same root as English valet, and it originally meant a 'young servant' or 'squire' who helped and learned from a knight, which is why it refers to a knight's attendant.