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

The Seneschal leaned back, and was concerned to feel his pulses throbbing a shade too quickly.

From Project Gutenberg

His brows came together in a frown, from which the Seneschal argued that his suggestion was not well received.

From Project Gutenberg

He bowed, with a flourish of his plumed hat, and would with that have taken his departure but that the Seneschal stayed him.

From Project Gutenberg

At his desk sat his secretary, who had been a witness of the interview, lost in wonder almost as great as the Seneschal's own.

From Project Gutenberg

To the invitation to precede him she readily responded, and, with a bow to the Seneschal, she began to walk across the apartment.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• administrator
• attendant
• curator
• waiter