Etymology Dictionary

VARLET,  a groom, footman, low fellow, scoundrel.   (F.,—C.)   In Spenser, F. Q. ii. 4. 40.   'Not sparying maisters nor varlettis;' Berners, tr. of Froissart, vol. i. c. 16 (R.)—O.F. varlet, 'a groom; also, a yonker, stripling, youth;' Cot.   He notes that 'in old time it was a more honourable title; for all young gentlemen, untill they come to be 18 years of age, were tearmed so.'   β. An older spelling was vaslet (Burguy), which became varlet, vallet, valet.   We also find the spelling vadlet in the Liber Albus, ed. Riley, p. 40, where d stands for an older s, as in medlar, medley; which again proves that vaslet was the orig. form.   γ. Vaslet is for vassalet*, the regular diminutive of O.F. vassal, a vassal; so that a varlet was orig. a young vassal, a youth, stripling; hence, a servant, &c.; and finally a valet, and a varlet as a term of reproach.   See Vassal.   Doublet, valet.