Chamberlain

Keeper of the chamber. Originally the chamberlain was the D keeper of the treasure chamber (camera) of the prince or state; otherwise called “treasurer,” Cowell. The name of several high officers of state in England, as the lord great chamberlain of England, lord chamberlain of the houseliold, chimberlain of the exchequer. Cowell; Blount. The word is also used in some American cities as the title of an officer corresponding to “treasurer.”

[L. Lat. camerarius, cambellarius, cambalarius, chamberlanus, chamberlingus; from Fr. chambellan. Spelman. Cowell.] Keeper of the chamber. Originally the chamberlain was the keeper of the treasure chamber (camera,) of the prince or state; otherwise called treasurer. Cowell, voc. Chamberlain. See Camerarius. Sir William Cavendish was treasurer of the chamber in the 24th year of Edward III. 3 Co. 12. The receiver of the rents and revenues of a city. Cowell. Blount. This is the modern meaning of the word in various cities of England and America. The name of several high officers of state in England, as the Lord Great Chamberlain of England, Lord Chamberlain of the Household, Chamberlain of the Exchequer. See Cowell. Blount. Holthouse. Wharton. In modern times the court officer styled chamberlain, has the charge of the private apartments of the sovereign or noble to whom he is attached. Brande.