ˈkrüpēə(r), -ēˌā noun
( -s )
Etymology: French, literally, one who rides behind another on a horse, from croupe hindquarters + -ier -er
1. : an assistant and adviser to a person engaged in a gambling game — now used only in connection with certain games (as baccarat and chemin de fer)
2.
a. : an employee of a gambling casino who watches, collects, and pays bets and assists the tourneur or dealer in charge of the table
b. : a representative of a gambling house or casino who officiates at a gaming table
3. : one who at a public dinner party sits at the lower end of the table as assistant chairman