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chamberlain definition

cham·ber·lain (c̸hām′bər lin)

noun

  1. Obsolete the bedchamber attendant of a ruler or lord
  2. an officer in charge of the household of a ruler or lord; steward
  3. a high official in certain royal courts
  4. Brit. a treasurer, as of a municipality
  5. R.C.Ch. any of several high officials, as an honorary attendant on the pope

Etymology: ME chaumberlein < OFr chamberlenc < OHG chamarlinc < chamara, kamara (< L camera) + dim. suffix -linc: see camera + -ling

Chamberlain definition

Cham·ber·lain (c̸hām′bər lin)

  1. Chamberlain, Sir (Joseph) Austen 1863-1937; Brit. statesman
  2. Chamberlain, Joseph 1836-1914; Brit. statesman: father of Austen & Neville
  3. Chamberlain, (Arthur) Neville 1869-1940; Brit. statesman; prime minister (1937-40): signed Munich Pact

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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