Footman (furniture)

The footman is a British term for a metal stand, usually of polished steel or brass, and either oblong or oval in shape, for keeping plates and dishes hot before a dining room fire.^[1] A footman was useful prior to the early 20th century, before hot water was easily obtained, and when open fires were common. Although it is still in occasional use, it is now chiefly regarded as an ornament or collectable antique. The derivation of the word is probably linked to the servant, who could also have had the task of warming the dishes.^{[citation needed]}

^ One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Footman". Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 10 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 628.

[1] One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Footman". Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 10 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 628.

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