at one's beck and call

phrase

: ready to obey one's command immediately

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of at one's beck and call was in 1604

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“At one's beck and call.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20one%27s%20beck%20and%20call. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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