potman
- noun
- /ˈpɒtmən/
- Archaic
:
camarero
- The potman collected the empty glasses diligently throughout the busy evening.
Examples
-
In a contemporary complaint by a Battersea resident, the question is raised as to why it should "be a sin for a turncock to turn on the water during the same hours as the potman cries his beer" (The Times, August 29, 1854).
Academic text (1992) -
In the light of this complaint, one notes that central to Brown's composition—and behind the children orphaned by disease and alcohol—is just such a potman, his Times under his arm.
Academic text (1992) -
Then, "Some time back, I saw you talking with that curly-haired fellow, young Potman, after church."
Fiction book (2000) -
Brown tells us that the potman was himself "stunted with gin" as a boy; thus, he is a visual reminder of the physical effects of alcohol.
Academic text (1992) -
The potman wears a small boutonniere of fuchsias and sweet peas.
Academic text (1992) -
After finishing his shift, the potman cleaned the tables before closing the pub.
-
Everyone appreciated the friendly nature of the potman who always shared a laugh with the patrons.
Synonyms
54
3.0
A person who clears and sets tables and helps waiters in a restaurant
1
3.9
A man who does small repair jobs around the home
A worker in a pub who serves customers and does simple jobs like clearing tables and getting drinks
How Responsible
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Potman comes from the simple parts pot and man; a pot used to mean a 'drinking cup' or small container, so a potman was the man who collected and looked after these pots in a pub. That's why a potman is someone who gathers empty glasses and does small tasks to keep the pub running.