Valet is who? Meaning of a word from the past

Every year the meaning of the word "valet" is gradually erased from our memory. If older people still remember it, the younger generation only blinks at it, hearing it in fleeting conversation or stumbling upon it in a historical book. But in the past, some people were ready even for a deal with the devil, just to get a valet's place.

Meaning of the word

The valet is a room servant with a rich gentleman. Often such servants were instigated by noblemen and monarchs, so that they were always at hand and helped them with routine matters. For example, the valet had to take care of the clothes of his master, his bed, luggage, parcels and so on.

At times it even went so far that this servant took on most of the financial transactions. He paid the bills, paid with the workers, carried out secret assignments and bribed the right people.

A valet is more than a servant

It's clear, the nobles did not take anybody to themselves. After all, the valet is more than the servant. This is a person who is always close to his master, which means that he knows all his secrets. Therefore, the nobles hired only proven people, whose ability to keep their mouths shut was not in doubt.

But especially carefully selected candidates for the position of valet, serving under the royal family. At the same time young monarchs received such a servant at the age of seven, so that by the time they reached the age of majority they could say exactly whether such servants are suitable for them.

Privileges and disadvantages

A valet is a bonded man. Having assumed this position, he undertook to serve his master until his death, which limited his freedom. In addition, the welfare of the valet was directly dependent on the character of the nobleman. Thus, there are cases in history where arrogant aristocrats beat their servants even for minor errors.

However, many still gladly took such a risk. After all, such a service allowed them to live in luxury. In addition, the salary of the valet was enough to start a family and provide it with everything necessary.