A footman (plural -men)'s a male servant, notably as domestic staff. Word history The name derives from the attendants who ran beside or behind the carriages of aristocrats, many of whom were chosen for their physical attributes. They ran along with side of the coach to make sure it wasn't overturned by such obstacles as ditches or tree roots. They'd also run ahead to prepare the destination place for his lord's arrival. Originally the term, also called running footman, applied to a non-mounted… (More on Footman)