Dictionary entry

Chauffeur

Webster's Dictionary 1913

‖Chauf′feur″ (?), n. 1. [pl.] (F. Hist.) Brigands in bands, who, about 1793, pillaged, burned, and killed in parts of France; — so called because they used to burn the feet of their victims to extort money.

2. One who manages the running of an automobile; esp., the paid operator of a motor vehicle.