Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for BEEF-EAT'ER
BEEF-EAT'ER, n. [By corruption from the Fr. buffetier, an officer appointed to watch the buffet or sideboard.]
- A popular appellation for the yeomen of the king's guard, partially derived from the circumstance that some of them originally were ranged at tables on solemn festivals. – Brande.
- In popular use, a stout, fleshy man.
Return to page 42 of the letter “B”.