Usherette

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A woman employed to show people to their seats, especially at a theatre or event
2. A female attendant who guides or directs audiences to their places during performances or occasions
3. A woman who assists patrons in finding and taking their seats at entertainment venues

Etymology: The usherette is a feminine formation built from "usher" plus the French-derived suffix "-ette", which marks a female or a smaller version of something. The suffix came into English from Old French "-ette", itself descended from Latin "-ittus" and ultimately from a Proto-Italic ending, so the word is less a fresh invention than a modern application of a very old pattern. Words such as "kitchenette", "majorette" and "suffragette" follow the same model. The base word "usher" has its own history: it comes from Old French "huissier", a doorkeeper or court officer, and so originally described someone who kept the door of a hall or court. Attendants who showed people to their seats inherited that role in theatres and cinemas. Because English had already lent "-ette" for female agents and diminutives, "usherette" could be coined simply by attaching the suffix to "usher" when women began doing that job.

Synonyms: usher, attendant, guide, doorkeeper, concierge