chamberlain

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an officer who manages the household of a monarch or noble, often with important ceremonial or administrative duties

   The lord chamberlain supervised the arrangements for the royal household.

2. 2
   noun

   a treasurer or senior financial officer of a city, corporation, or institution; historical

   The city chamberlain presented the annual accounts to the council.

From Middle English chamberlein, through Anglo-French from a Frankish compound meaning 'chamber servant or officer,' equivalent to chamber + -ling. Because a ruler's valuables and accounts were kept in the chamber, the household post often acquired financial and political authority.

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