The term “dogsbody”, somewhat unsurprisingly, is a word with less definitions than what others have found. The OED only cites two different forms of the term, both as a noun and a verb. In its noun form, dogsbody has three definitions:
- n. nautical slang: Peas boiled in a cloth, pease pudding
- n. sea biscuits softened in water, with sugar added.
- n. a junior officer or midshipman
- n. (colloquial) a person who is given menial tasks
In its verb form, the OED only cites one definition for the verb form of “dogsbody” which is:
- to act or work as a dogsbody; to carry out menial tasks.