Goodman (142) says “In this context it means the clerk of the court.” Prestige (154) notes that, “he sits robed beneath the judge and acts as a sort of note taker.” Stone (284) states that Gilbert himself played the role in at least six benefit performances. One such performance was on behalf of burlesque queen Nellie Farren (155).
Context:
A mime role listed among the Dramatis Personae
Opera:
Act:
Characters