Lewes, March 18. 1850.
_Grummett_.--Bailey explains, "_Gromets_ or _Gromwells_, the most
servile persons on ship-board," probably, metaphorically, from
"_Gromet_ or _Grummet_," "small rings," adds Bailey, "fastened with
staples on the upper side of the yard." The latter term is still in
use; the metaphorical one is, I believe, quite obsolete.