subs. (common).—A slatternly maid-of-all-work; a SLAVEY (q.v.). [From the character in The Old Curiosity Shop, by C. DICKENS.]
1883. G. A. SALA, in Illustrated London News, 24 Nov., p. 499, col. 1. I light upon the London papers, containing alarming statements about a little bit of a maid-of-all-work…. This MARCHIONESS down in Shrewsbury Vale has, it would appear, been the object of the most astounding ‘manifestations.’
1885. J. S. WINTER, Bootles’ Baby, ch. ii. p. 36. To develop into the unnaturally widened and unkempt hand of a MARCHIONESS.
