Etymology Map
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Butler

3 stages from Medieval Latin to English.

Today it means the chief manservant of a house

Where does the word "butler" come from? It comes from Medieval Latin buticularius, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
buticularius
Medieval Latin · medieval
"cup-bearer"
from 'buticula', bottle
2
Stage 2 of 3
bouteillier
Old French · medieval
"cup-bearer"
the servant in charge of the wine
3
Stage 3 of 3
butler
English · 1200s
"wine steward"
later the head servant of a household
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Read the full story

Butler’s story begins in Medieval Latin: buticularius meant “cup-bearer.” From 'buticula', bottle. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as bouteillier. The servant in charge of the wine. It reached English by 1200s as butler. Later the head servant of a household. Today, butler means the chief manservant of a house.