A low stool or cushioned support for resting one's feet while seated.
From Old English 'fotstol,' literally 'foot stool.' But the concept has royal origins - footstools were symbols of power in ancient courts, representing the earth beneath a ruler's feet. Psalm 110 refers to enemies becoming a 'footstool,' and many throne rooms featured elaborate footstools to elevate the monarch both literally and symbolically above common ground.
Your living room footstool descends from ancient symbols of royal power - kings used ornate footstools to show they were literally above the common earth. Every time you prop your feet up, you're unconsciously mimicking the posture of ancient royalty asserting dominance over their realm.
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