Meaning of "Grummett"

The word is derived from the Low Latin "*gromettus*", the original of our "groom" (see Ducange's, *Gromes* and *Gromus*), and answers to the old French *gourmète*, i.e. *garçon*. In old books he is sometimes called a "novice" or "page," and may be compared with the "apprentice" of our marine. He was employed in waiting on the sailors, cooking their victuals, working the pumps, scouring the decks, and, in short, was expected to lend a hand wherever he was wanted, except taking the helm (Clairac, *Commentaire du premier Article des Rooles d'Oléron*); and, consequently, is always distinguished fr…