n.
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English meynial, from Anglo-French meignal, from mesnee, mayné household, retinue, from Vulgar Latin *mansionata, from Latin mansion-, mansio dwelling ― more at MANSION
Date: 15th century
1 : of or relating to servants : LOWLY
2 a : appropriate to a servant : HUMBLE , SERVILE <answered in menial tones> b : lacking interest or dignity <a menial task>
– me · nial · ly adverb