noun
chamberlain
CHAYM-bur-lin/ˈtʃeɪmbərlɪn/
An officer who manages a royal or noble household.
The royal chamberlain organizes the household's preparations for the visiting delegation.
Etymology
The chamber word with the suffix -ling designated someone who managed chambers. Service in a ruler's private rooms, especially custody of the treasure-chamber, made this the title of an important household officer.
In context
High Chamberlain to appoint a lodging in the court for me and my interpreter with a daily allowance for my table
More examples
- The chamberlain oversees the palace servants.
- The duke asks his chamberlain to arrange suitable rooms.
- Records show the chamberlain's responsibility for household expenses.
Forms
chamberlain · chamberlains
Similar words
- steward
- A broader household or estate manager without necessarily royal office.
- butler
- Usually supervises domestic service at a different level of responsibility.