From French 'chauffeur' (stoker/heater), because early automobile drivers had to stoke the steam engine's fire.
A person employed to drive a private or hired car.
From French 'chauffeur,' literally 'stoker, one who heats' — from 'chauffer' (to heat). Early automobiles were steam-powered, and the driver had to stoke the engine's fire. When gasoline cars replaced steam, the old 'stoker' title stuck. Key