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Scullery Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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scullery

[หˆskสŒlษ™ri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

kitchen area

A scullery is a small room or area in a house where dishes are washed and kitchen utensils are cleaned. It typically serves as a secondary kitchen, used for food preparation and storage of kitchen items. In historical contexts, sculleries were common in larger homes or estates.

Synonyms

kitchenette, utility room, washroom.

Examples of usage

  • They spent the afternoon scrubbing pots in the scullery.
  • The scullery was filled with the scent of fresh herbs and spices.
  • In old mansions, the scullery was often located near the main kitchen.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Usage

  • In grand homes of the past, sculleries were essential for handling the many utensils and crockery that came from feasts.
  • Not just a cleaning space, sculleries also served as storage for kitchen supplies and utensils in large estates.
  • With the advent of modern plumbing and changes in cooking practices, the traditional scullery has evolved into what we now call utility rooms or kitchen pantries.

Literature

  • Sculleries often appear in classic literature, depicting the class distinctions in households by showcasing where help worked.
  • In Charles Dickens' novels, sculleries featured as hidden realms of household activity, emphasizing the hardworking nature of domestic help.
  • The depiction of sculleries can be found in works reflecting societal norms, often hinting at the unseen labor behind household comforts.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, the scullery symbolizes the behind-the-scenes effort required to maintain domestic life.
  • Historically, many households employed staff to manage sculleries, highlighting social stratification in availability and recognition of domestic help.
  • Modern adaptations have turned these spaces into trendy laundry rooms, reflecting changing views on domestic work.

Architecture

  • The architectural design of sculleries often aimed for efficiency, with separate sinks and storage to manage the mess created during cooking.
  • In many colonial homes, sculleries were designed to be on the periphery of the main kitchen, enabling better airflow and cleanliness.
  • Contemporary homes sometimes integrate sculleries into open-plan kitchen designs, showcasing a blend of tradition and modernity.

Origin of 'scullery'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'scullery' comes from the Middle English term 'scullery', which originally meant a place for scullers or dishwashers.
  • It is derived from the Old French 'escuelerie', which relates to fetching or cleaning up dishes.
  • The term has been in use since the 14th century, reflecting the importance of this space in household management.

The word 'scullery' originates from the Middle English term 'sculery', which comes from the Old French word 'escalier' (a staircase or a place to wash). The connection to washing stems from its historical use in kitchens to designate a space specifically for cleaning dishes and kitchen tools. The practice of having a separate area for this purpose became more common during the medieval period when large households began to require efficient organization of kitchen tasks. Over time, the scullery evolved to include features beyond just washing dishes, becoming a multifunctional space for food preparation and various culinary activities. Its usage has diminished in modern kitchen designs, where the trend leans toward open-plan concepts.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,533, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.