seneschal

[ sen-uh-shuhl ]

noun

1. an officer having full charge of domestic arrangements, ceremonies, the administration of justice, etc., in the household of a medieval prince or dignitary; steward.

seneschal

/ ˈsɛnɪʃəl /

noun

1. a steward of the household of a medieval prince or nobleman who took charge of domestic arrangements, etc
2. a cathedral official

Word History and Origins

Origin of seneschal¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Middle French < Frankish; compare Medieval Latin seniscalcus senior servant, cognate with Old High German senescalh ( sene- old, senior + scalh servant)

Word History and Origins

Origin of seneschal¹

C14: from Old French, from Medieval Latin siniscalcus, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German senescalh oldest servant, from sene- old + scalh a servant

Example Sentences

Ostgardr has about 200 members who pay annual dues and hundreds more who regularly attend events, said Piglet Evans, the province’s seneschal, or president.

From New York Times

“Sir,” said Sir Ector, “I will ask no more of you but that you will make my son, your foster-brother, Sir Kay, seneschal of all your lands?”

From Literature

So the news that his seneschal is called Mr Senecal was only to be expected.

From The Guardian

The seneschal wore a tokar of maroon silk with a golden fringe.

From Literature

His seneschal brought her messages, each cooler than the last.

From Literature

Related Words

• administrator
• attendant
• curator
• waiter