Pl. famuli. [L. famulus servant.] An attendant; esp. on a scholar or a magician.
1837. Carlyle, Fr. Rev. (1872), III. III. iii. 112. It is a dangerous thing such magic. The Magician’s Famulus got hold of the forbidden Book, and summoned a goblin: Plait-il, What is your will? said the goblin. The Famulus, somewhat struck, bade him fetch water: the swift goblin fetched it, pail in each hand; but lo, would not cease fetching it! Desperate, the Famulus shrieks at him, smites at him, cuts him in two; lo, two goblin water-carriers ply; and the house will be swum away in Deucalion Deluges.
1853. Thackeray, Esmond, I. v. Faithful little famuli see all and say nothing. You are faithful, I know.
