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major-domo

[mey-jer-doh-moh]
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noun, plural ma·jor-do·mos.
  1. a man in charge of a great household, as that of a sovereign; a chief steward.
  2. a steward or butler.
  3. a person who makes arrangements for another.
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Origin of major-domo

1580–90; < Spanish mayordomo < Medieval Latin majordomūs head of the house, equivalent to major major + domūs, genitive of domus house; see dome
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for major-domo

Historical Examples

  • Miguel, the major-domo, was taken with his wife and two daughters, the other men were young.

    The Treasure Trail

    Marah Ellis Ryan

  • "Here is Squire Doolittle below, sir," commenced the major-domo.

    The Pioneers

    James Fenimore Cooper

  • Richard approached him, followed by Monsieur Le Quoi and the major-domo.

    The Pioneers

    James Fenimore Cooper

  • The dinner was announced by the major-domo of the household.

  • The major-domo rubbed his hands with an air of satisfaction.

    Wood Rangers

    Mayne Reid

British Dictionary definitions for major-domo

major-domo

noun plural -mos
  1. the chief steward or butler of a great household
  2. facetious a steward or butler
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Word Origin

C16: from Spanish mayordomo, from Medieval Latin mājor domūs head of the household
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for major-domo

n.

1580s, via Italian maggiordomo or Spanish mayordomo, from Medieval Latin major domus "chief of the household," also "mayor of the palace" under the Merovingians, from Latin major "greater" (see major (adj.)) + genitive of domus "house" (see domestic).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper