| 释义 |
† staffier Obs.
Forms: 6 stafyre, 7–8 staffier.
[ad. It. staffiero, -ere, f. staffa stirrup, a. OHG. stapho: see step v. Cf. F. estafier.]
‘A lacquey, that attends the stirrup’ (Blount Glossogr., 1674); a footman. Chiefly with reference to Italy.
1532Boner in St. Papers Hen. VIII, VII. 396 The said old Abbot of Ferfa..hath been of late at Rome with 3 score in companye, besides 20 stafyres. 1664Butler Hud. ii. ii. 650 Before the Dame, and round about, March'd Whifflers, and Staffiers on foot. a1668R. Lassels Voy. Italy i. (1670) 12 The Italians..value no bravery but that of Coach and Horses and Staffiers. 1673Ray Journ. Low C., Charac. Italians 396 The Nobility..chuse..to spend their revenues in..keeping coaches and horses and a great retinue of servants and staffiers. a1734North Exam. iii. vii. §89. 574 These figures were brought by the Mob in grand Procession, from the further End of London, with honourable Attendance of Staffiers and Link-Boys. |