_Meaning of "Grummett," &c_.--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 from, and rated below, the
mariner or able-bodied seaman.
The information here given is taken from Jal, _Archéologie navale_,
vol. ii. p. 238.
A. RICH, Jun.
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