Treasurer

The style or title of an officer to whom funds are committed, to be kept or disbursed. Officers bearing this title are numerous under various governments, in corporations, and in private associations. The function is much the same in all cases, — to take charge of the funds or revenue as they come in, to keep them The lord high treasurer of England was a lord by his office, and one of the greatest men of the kingdom. He held his place durante bene placito, and was instituted by the delivery of a white staff to him by the king; and in former times he received his office by delivery of the golden keys of the treasury; he was also treasurer of the excliequer by letters-patent. Under the charge and government of the lord treasurer was all the king's wealth contained in the exchequer; he had the check of all the officers employed in collecting the customs and royal revenues; all the offices of the customs in all ports of England were in his gift and disposition; escheators in every county were nominated by him; and he made leases of all the lands belonging to the crown, &c. (See 4 Inst. 104.) The chancellor of the exchequer is under-treasurer, and a check on the treasurer.

Tomlins.