Writhing about the scullery

Posted by ESC on August 22, 2003

In Reply to: A phrase in Hay Fever by Noel Coward posted by GPP on August 22, 2003

: : The dresser in Hay Fever says the phrase "...Writhing about the scullery like one 0'clock". Can anyone out there help me with what the reference to one o'clock is?

: Hell, I need some help with 'writhing about the scullery', never mind about one o'clock.

Well, scullery is part of the kitchen. What time do rich folks eat? Maybe it refers to the kitchen staff running around fixing and serving food and cleaning up.

Merriam-Webster online:

Main Entry: scul·lery
Pronunciation: 'sk&-l&-rE, 'sk&l-rE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ler·ies
Etymology: Middle English, department of household in charge of dishes, from Middle French escuelerie, from escuelle bowl, from Latin scutella drinking bowl -- more at SCUTTLE
Date: 15th century
: a room for cleaning and storing dishes and cooking utensils and for doing messy kitchen work

• Yeah, I know what the WORDS mean GPP 22/August/03
  • Yeah, I know what the WORDS mean ESC 22/August/03
    • The clock struck one Henry 22/August/03
      • Any more context available, Kate? GPP 23/August/03