DUMB WAITER Meaning and
Definition
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A dumb waiter is a mechanical device that is used for the transportation of small items, such as food, dishes, or documents, between different floors of a building. It typically consists of a small elevator-like compartment, equipped with shelves or trays, that can be loaded with items and then manually or automatically lifted or lowered between floors.
The term "dumb waiter" is a combination of two words: "dumb," meaning silent or lacking the ability to speak, and "waiter," referring to a person who serves food and drinks. In this context, the term refers to the silent and unobtrusive nature of the device, which is intended to transport items without the need for human assistance.
Dumb waiters are commonly found in restaurants, hotels, and large homes, where they serve as a convenient way to transport items without the need for physically carrying them up and down stairs. They are particularly useful in multi-story buildings where the distance between floors is significant or where there are numerous floors to be serviced.
The use of dumb waiters can help increase efficiency, reduce the risk of damage or breakage, and provide a discreet method of transporting items. They are typically operated either by a pulley system, weights and counterweights, or by electric motors. In modern times, many dumb waiters have been equipped with safety mechanisms, such as interlocks, to prevent accidents and ensure the safe use of the device.
Common Misspellings for DUMB WAITER
- sumb waiter
- xumb waiter
- cumb waiter
- fumb waiter
- rumb waiter
- eumb waiter
- dymb waiter
- dhmb waiter
- djmb waiter
- dimb waiter
- d8mb waiter
- d7mb waiter
- dunb waiter
- dukb waiter
- dujb waiter
- dumv waiter
- dumn waiter
- dumh waiter
- dumg waiter
- dumb qaiter
Etymology of DUMB WAITER
The term "dumb waiter" originated in the late 18th century and is derived from two different sources.
The first part, "dumb", comes from the Old English word "dumb" or "dumbȝe", which means mute or unable to speak. In this context, it refers to an object that is silent and does not communicate.
The second part, "waiter", has a different origin. It comes from the medieval Latin word "waietarius", meaning a servant or attendant. Over time, "waiter" evolved to refer to a person serving food and beverages in a restaurant or household.
When combined, the term "dumb waiter" refers to a small, wheeled contraption used to transport food and dishes silently between floors in a building. It is called a "dumb waiter" because it serves as a waiter without the ability to speak or communicate.
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