table-decker

English

Noun

table-decker (plural table-deckers)

1. (historical) A servant in an aristocratic household who specifies where various dishes and decorations are to be placed at table.
   • 1787, The New Lady's Magazine:

     At this time the table-decker came up. He took a napkin out of his budget, wiped the Cup, and was going to give the king some water to drink.

   • 1804, The works of the poets of Great Britain and Ireland:

     In 1749, he complimented Mr. Garrick in an Ode on his marriage with Madam Violetti ; and about the same period he united himself in the same state with Miss Hamilton, daughter of Mr. Hamilton, table-decker to the princesses.

   • 1965, Country Life - Volume 137, page 1413:

     George III from 1761 included a table-decker in his personal household ; another was allocated to the ten maids-of-honour and bedchamber women, and a third to his numerous chaplains.