Linkboy definitions
| Word backwards | yobknil |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | The word "linkboy" is a noun. |
| Syllabic division | The syllable separation of the word "linkboy" is link-boy. |
| Plural | The plural of linkboy is linkboys. |
| Total letters | 7 |
| Vogais (2) | i,o |
| Consonants (5) | l,n,k,b,y |
Linkboy was a historical term used to describe young boys who were employed to light the way of pedestrians with torches or lanterns during the nighttime in the streets before the invention of gas or electric street lighting.
These linkboys were prevalent in cities across Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, where they played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of people moving around after dark.
The Role of Linkboys
Linkboys were typically young boys from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who carried a lighted torch or lantern and guided pedestrians through the dark streets of the city. They were hired by individuals who needed assistance navigating through poorly lit areas.
Equipment and Payment
Linkboys were equipped with a torch or lantern that they would carry while walking ahead of their clients. In return for their services, they would receive payment either directly from the person they were assisting or from the establishment that had hired them.
Decline in Popularity
With the advancements in street lighting technology, such as gas lamps and eventually electric lights, the need for linkboys diminished over time. The profession eventually faded into obscurity as cities became illuminated through more modern means.
Though no longer a common sight today, the legacy of the linkboys lives on through historical accounts and depictions in literature and art, providing a glimpse into a bygone era when the night streets were illuminated not by streetlights, but by the flickering flames carried by these young torchbearers.
Linkboy Examples
- The linkboy held the lantern high, guiding travelers through the dark forest.
- In the 18th century, linkboys were commonly employed to light the way for pedestrians at night.
- Legend has it that the ghost of a linkboy still haunts the old cobblestone streets.
- The linkboy's flame flickered in the wind, casting eerie shadows on the walls.
- Before street lamps were common, linkboys were essential for navigating the city after sunset.
- The linkboy's job was to escort wealthy gentlemen safely to their destination, regardless of the hour.
- A skilled linkboy could navigate the labyrinthine alleys of London with ease.
- The linkboy's services were in high demand during foggy evenings when visibility was poor.
- Despite the dangers of the job, being a linkboy was a lucrative profession in the 18th century.
- The linkboy's lantern illuminated the path ahead, revealing hidden dangers lurking in the darkness.