parlormaid

[ pahr-ler-meyd ]

/ ˈpɑr lərˌmeɪd /

a maid who takes care of a parlor, answers the door, waits on guests, etc.

Origin of parlormaid

First recorded in 1830–40; parlor + maid

In the hall below, the parlormaid Annie encountered Mrs. Heth, waked from her nap by the two rings at the bell.

V. V.'s Eyes |Henry Sydnor Harrison
Somehow she could not picture her in a parlormaid's cap and apron.

Carnival |Compton Mackenzie
Jill was talking to the parlormaid whose head had popped up over the banisters flanking the stairs that led to the kitchen.

The Little Warrior |P. G. Wodehouse
Jane, the parlormaid, entering with tea, interrupted his comments.

The Little Warrior |P. G. Wodehouse

Finally, he married the parlormaid, and settled here in this town as a joiner.

New, Old, and Forgotten Remedies: Papers by Many Writers |Various