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:
“We should seek by all means in our power to avoid war, by analysing possible causes, by trying to remove them, by discussion in a spirit of collaboration and good will. I cannot believe that such a programme would be rejected by the people of this country, even if it does mean the establishment of personal contact with the dictators.”
—Neville Chamberlain (1869–1940)