‖ ouvreuse
(uvrœz)
[Fr.]
In France, a woman who ‘opens’ theatre boxes; an usherette in a French theatre or cinema.
| 1892 G. B. Shaw Let. 21 Apr. (1965) I. 338 It took the united strength of my three companions, the ouvreuse, the acting manager, the fireman, and a commissionaire to hold me down and restrain me from hurling an opera glass at her head. 1944 H. Croome You've gone Astray i. 11 A disgruntled old ouvreuse in a Paris theatre. 1968 Guardian 27 Apr. 9/8 An ouvreuse in a theatre or cinema. 1972 Ibid. 5 Feb. 3/8 An inescapable one franc for the cloak-room and another for the ouvreuse. |