Obs. Forms: 6 stafyre, 7–8 staffier. [ad. It. staffiero, -ere, f. staffa stirrup, a. OHG. stapho: see STEP v. Cf. F. estafier.] ‘A lacquey, that attends the stirrup’ (Blount, Glossogr., 1674); a footman. Chiefly with reference to Italy.
1532. Boner, in St. Papers Hen. VIII., VII. 396. The said old Abbot of Ferfa … hath been of late at Rome with 3 score in companye, besides 20 stafyres.
1664. Butler, Hud., II. ii. 650. Before the Dame, and round about, March’d Whifflers, and Staffiers on foot.
a. 1668. Lassels, Voy. Italy, I. (1670), 12. The Italians … value no bravery but that of Coach and Horses and Staffiers.
1673. Ray, Journ. Low C., Charac. Italians, 396. The Nobility … chuse … to spend their revenues in … keeping coaches and horses and a great retinue of servants and staffiers.
a. 1734. North, Exam., III. vii. § 89. 574. These figures were brought by the Mob in grand Procession, from the further End of London, with honourable Attendance of Staffiers and Link-Boys.
