A term of reproach, or contempt. Men of the lowest form or seat, where parasites, buffoons, and persons of inferior condition were placed at the tables of the great, where they were sometimes admitted, but so placed, and treated, as to make them sensible, in how little estimation they were held. Juvenal is very severe, both on those inflicting, and those submitting, to such indignities. The phrase was also used to denote persons filling inferior situations in public offices, or of little estimation in literature.