castellan

American  

[kas-tl-n, ka-stel-uhn] / ˈkæs tl n, kæˈstɛl ən /

noun

1. the governor of a castle.

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castellan British  

/ ˈkæstɪlən /

noun

1. Also called: chatelain.  rare a keeper or governor of a castle

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Other Word Forms

• castellanship noun

Etymology

Origin of castellan

1350–1400; < Medieval Latin castellānus (noun) governor, occupant of a castle, (adj.) of a castle ( Latin: of a fortress), equivalent to castell ( um ) castellum, castle + -ānus -an; replacing Middle English castelain < Old North French < Latin, as above

Example Sentences

As for the wine, its keepers will still care for the bottles and may re-cork some, said Becov castellan Tomas Wizovsky.

From Reuters • May 23, 2016

Next in conversation with the castellan at the Royal Palace at Cintra.

From Time Magazine Archive

Surely Lady Maege would have left at least one of the older girls behind as castellan.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

"What Hoat prom-ised you is nothing to me. Lord Tywin made me the castellan of Harrenhal, and I shall do with you as I please."

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

"The wretch is mad, and in pain, and no use to any- pne, least of all himself," declared old Ser mrbert, the castellan of Storm's End in those years.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin