E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Dumb-waiter.
A piece of dining-room furniture, fitted with shelves, to hold glasses, dishes, and plate. So called because it answers all the purposes of a waiter, and is not possessed of an insolent tongue; a lift for carrying food from a kitchen to the dining-room, etc.
