A chamberlain is an officer in charge of managing a household. In many countries there are ceremonial posts associated with the household of the sovereign.
Historically, many institutions and governments – monasteries, cathedrals and cities – also had the post of chamberlain, who usually had charge of finances. The Finance Director of the City of London is still called Chamberlain, while New York City had such a chamberlain, who managed city accounts, until the early 20th century.
Famous quotes containing the word chamberlain:
“My good friends, this is the second time in our history that there has come back from Germany to Downing Street peace with honour. I believe it is peace for our time. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. And now I recommend you to go home and sleep quietly in your beds.”
—Neville Chamberlain (1869–1940)