This term is used with disparaging intent, implying the low rank of such a servant.
British Dictionary definitions for skivvy
skivvy1
/ˈskɪvɪ/
noun (pl) -vies
1.
(mainly Brit, often derogatory) a servant, esp a female, who does menial work of all kinds; drudge
verb -vies, -vying, -vied
2.
(intransitive) (Brit) to work as a skivvy
Word Origin
C20: of unknown origin
skivvy2
/ˈskɪvɪ/
noun (pl) -vies
1.
(slang, mainly US) a man's T-shirt or vest
2.
(pl) (slang, mainly US) men's underwear
3.
(Austral & NZ) a garment resembling a sweater with long sleeves and a polo neck, usually made of stretch cotton or cotton and polyester and worn by either sex
Word Origin
of unknown origin
Slang definitions & phrases for skivvy
skivvy
noun
(also skivvy shirt) A man's undershirt, esp a T-shirt: pants, sneakers, some skivvy shirts(1932+)
A pair of men's underpants, esp of the boxer type (1947+)