▪ I. maty, mate Anglo-Indian.
(ˈmeɪtɪ, meɪt)
Also matee.
[Of obscure origin: cf. Skr. mētha elephant-keeper, and Eng. mate n.2; see Yule.]
A native servant, esp. an assistant or under-servant.
| 1810 T. Williamson E. Ind. Vade M. I. 241 In some families, mates, or assistants, are allowed, who do the drudgery. 1837 Lett. fr. Madras xii. (1843) 106 Here is our establishment:—one butler, one dress-boy, one matee, [etc.]. Ibid., A cook's maty or helper. 1873 Sat. Rev. 6 Sept. 312/1 One of the attendants [of an elephant], who in Indian phraseology is termed ‘a mate’, the title of Mahout being reserved for the head keeper. |
▪ II. maty
variant of matie.