1. plural of footboy; young male servants or attendants, historically employed in households or courts to run errands and perform menial tasks.
Usage: archaic; historical

Examples

• The nobleman employed several footboys to attend to his daily needs.
• In the 18th century, wealthy families often kept footboys dressed in livery.
• The footboys were responsible for carrying messages throughout the estate.
• Young footboys learned household duties through apprenticeship.
• The footboys stood ready to assist their master at a moment's notice.