In India: a servant who wears a belt as a badge of office; (more generally) a messenger or servant attached to an office or business.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Aurelia Cary (1803–1858). From Marathi paṭṭe-vālā, paṭṭā-vālā messenger (lit. ‘wearing a belt and badge of office’) from paṭṭā belt (from Sanskrit paṭṭaka band) + vālā.
Definition of pattawalla in US English:
pattawalla
noun
In India: a servant who wears a belt as a badge of office; (more generally) a messenger or servant attached to an office or business.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Aurelia Cary (1803–1858). From Marathi paṭṭe-vālā, paṭṭā-vālā messenger (lit. ‘wearing a belt and badge of office’) from paṭṭā belt (from Sanskrit paṭṭaka band) + vālā.