receptionist

receptionist
receptionist (n.) "person hired to receive clients in an office," 1900, from RECEPTION (Cf. reception) + -IST (Cf. -ist). Originally in photography studios.
Let me not forget the receptionist -- generally and preferably, a woman of refined and gentle manners, well informed and specially gifted in handling people of varied dispositions. A woman especially who knows how to handle other women, and who can make herself beloved by the children who may visit the studio. A woman, also, who in a thoroughly suave and dignified way, knows just how to handle the young man of the period so that the photographer may be glad to have his business. What a power the receptionist is when properly chosen and trained. It is not too much to say that she can both make and destroy a business, if she has the amount of discretionary power given to her in some galleries. [John A. Tennant, "Business Methods Applied in Photography," "Wilson's Photographic Magazine," October 1900]
Earlier as an adjective in theology and law (1867).

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

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  • Receptionist — A receptionist is a person in an office/administrative support position. The work is usually performed in a waiting area such as a lobby or front office desk of an organization or business. The title receptionist is attributed to the person who… …   Wikipedia

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  • receptionist */ — UK [rɪˈsepʃ(ə)nɪst] / US [rɪˈsepʃənɪst] noun [countable] Word forms receptionist : singular receptionist plural receptionists someone who works in reception at a hotel or office …   English dictionary

  • receptionist — noun Date: 1901 a person employed to greet telephone callers, visitors, patients, or clients …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • receptionist — /ri sep sheuh nist/, n. 1. a person employed to receive and assist callers, clients, etc., as in an office. 2. Theol. a person who advocates receptionism. [1865 70; RECEPTION + IST] * * * …   Universalium

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