ˈgentleman-ˈusher
A gentleman acting as usher to a person of superior rank. Gentleman-usher of the Black Rod (see Black Rod).
| 1485 Rot. Parl. 1 Hen. VII, VI. 372/2 Oon of oure Gentilmen Hushers. 1503 Privy Purse Exp. Eliz. York (1830) 91 Item to John Whiting gentilman huissher of the chambre with the Kinges grace, xls. 1549 Coverdale, etc. Erasm. Par. 1 John 47 What appeare they to be elles than Antichristes gentilmen husshers. 1609 Dekker Guls Horn-bk. v. 22 Walk vp and downe by the rest as scornfully and as carelesly as a Gentleman Vsher. 1621 Burton Anat. Mel. iii. i. ii. iii. (1651) 422 Our old Poets..made Mercury the Gentleman-usher to the Graces. 1701 Lond. Gaz. No. 3714/1 The Commons were sent up for by Mr. Aston, Deputy Gentleman-Usher of the Black Rod. 1714 Swift Pres. St. Aff. Wks. 1755 II. i. 209 Many of them required no more abilities than would serve to qualify a gentleman-usher at court. 1840 Dickens Barn. Rudge xxvii, He announced him in the voice of a gentleman-usher. |