Castellan
|cas-tel-lan|
/ˈkæsələn/
(castellan)
keeper/governor of a castle
Etymology
'Castellan' originates from Medieval Latin, specifically the word 'castellanus', ultimately from Latin 'castellum' where 'castellum' meant 'fort' or 'castle'.
'Castellan' changed from the Medieval Latin word 'castellanus' into Old French forms such as 'castelain' and then entered Middle English as 'castellan', eventually becoming the modern English word 'castellan'.
Initially it referred broadly to something 'of a castle' or a person 'belonging to a castle'; over time it came to mean specifically 'the keeper or governor of a castle'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a governor, captain, or keeper of a castle; the person in charge of its defence and administration.
The Castellan inspected the walls and ordered repairs to the battlements.
Synonyms
Noun 2
(historical) The officer in charge of a castellany (the district or jurisdiction associated with a castle).
In medieval records the Castellan administered justice across the castellany.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/27 14:35