char-woman

Some would take on the role of the devoted char-woman, while others would temporarily make a char-woman of him, but neither strategy was sustainable.

Excerpt from Crackle 2010

Lord Glenvarloch then applied to old Deborah the char-woman, by whose intermediation he was provided with a tolerably decent dinner; and the only embarrassment which he experienced, was from the almost forcible entry of the old dotard his landlord, who insisted upon giving his assistance at laying the cloth.

The Fortunes of Nigel 2004

“I will send for the old char-woman,” replied Martha,

The Fortunes of Nigel 2004

But the be-stringed bonnet, the antiquated mantle COULD only belong to a char-woman or some such person; and again she made to edge away.

The Coat 2004

The old man seemed more under petticoat government than any other, for the threat of the char-woman produced greater effect upon him than the more formidable displeasure of Nigel.

The Fortunes of Nigel 2004

Lily stood motionless, keeping between herself and the char-woman the greatest distance compatible with the need of speaking in low tones.

The House of Mirth Edith Wharton 1987

The char-woman, after the manner of her kind, stood with her arms folded in her shawl.

The House of Mirth Edith Wharton 1987

It was the char-woman of the Benedick who, resting on crimson elbows, examined her with the same unflinching curiosity, the same apparent reluctance to let her pass.

The House of Mirth Edith Wharton 1987

It was the char-woman of the Benedick who, resting on crimson elbows, examined her with the same unflinching curiosity, the same apparent reluctance to let her pass.

The House of Mirth Edith Wharton 1987

There was no one in sight, however, but a char-woman who was scrubbing the stairs.

The House of Mirth Edith Wharton 1987