Cook (domestic worker)

1855 Illustration of a "Disgruntled Cook"

A cook is a household staff member responsible for food preparation. The term can refer to the head of kitchen staff in a great house or to the cook-housekeeper, a far less prestigious position involving more physical labour.

The cook in an English great house was traditionally female; today's residences may employ a head cook or chef who may be of either gender.

When Margaret Powell had begun as a kitchen girl at the age of 15. she later advanced to become a cook.