mayor of the palace

noun

1. one of a line of hereditary administrative lieutenants to the Merovingian kings who eventually took over royal function and title in the Frankish kingdoms; a palatine.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mayor of the palace¹

1520–30; translation of Medieval Latin major domūs; major-domo

Example Sentences

Charles Martel, though simply a mayor of the palace, had saved Europe from the Mohammedans, and the Pope expected that he would unsheath his sword for the defence of the Vatican.

From Project Gutenberg

The second Pippin was born here, and this mayor of the palace acquired the control of the kingdom of the Franks.

From Project Gutenberg

He was primarily an officer of justice, corresponding in a way to the old Mayor of the Palace, but with very much less power.

From Project Gutenberg

II., sends Gregory to Constantinople, 90.Penalties, in the Salic law, 62-65; in Charlemagne's De Partibus Saxoni�, 121-123;in Alfred's legislation, 194-195;for violation of an immunity, 214;for violation of Peace and Truce of God, 230-232.Pepin the Short, son of Charles Martel, 105; mayor of the palace, 105;sends deputation to Pope Zacharias, 106;crowned by Pope Stephen III.,

From Project Gutenberg

Moreover, years ago, when Mr. Swainson had been Mayor of Bicester, there had been a little dispute between the Chapter and the Bishop, and he had shown so much energy upon the one side as to earn the nickname of the "Mayor of the Palace."

From Project Gutenberg