A
butler is a
domestic worker in a large
household. In
great houses, the household is sometimes divided into departments with the butler in charge of the
dining room,
wine cellar, and
pantry. Some also have charge of the entire parlour floor, and
housekeepers caring for the entire house and its appearance. A butler is usually male, and in charge of male servants, while a housekeeper is usually a woman, and in charge of female servants. Traditionally, male servants (such as footmen) were rarer and therefore better paid and of higher status than female servants. The butler, as the senior male servant, has the highest servant status. He can also be sometimes used as a
chauffeur.