archsteward
|arch-stew-ard|
🇺🇸
/ˈɑrtʃˌstuɚd/
🇬🇧
/ˈɑːtʃˌstjuːəd/
chief household manager
Etymology
'archsteward' originates from Late Middle English as a compound of the prefix 'arch-' and the noun 'steward'; 'arch-' (ultimately from Greek 'arkhē/arkhos' via Latin/Old French) meant 'chief, principal', and 'steward' came from Old English 'stigweard' meaning 'house guardian'.
'steward' changed from Old English 'stigweard' ('stig' = 'house' + 'weard' = 'guardian') into Middle English 'steward', and was later combined with the prefix 'arch-' to form the title 'archsteward' (the modern compound reflecting 'chief steward').
Initially, the elements meant 'chief' (arch-) and 'house guardian' (steward), so the compound originally denoted the 'chief guardian/manager of a household'; over time the term kept that core sense but also acquired broader, figurative uses meaning a senior manager or principal administrator.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a chief steward; the head steward of a large household or royal/domestic establishment, responsible for overseeing domestic management, servants, and household administration (historical/official title).
In the medieval court, the archsteward supervised all domestic affairs and directed the household staff.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
by extension, a person entrusted with broad supervisory or managerial responsibilities in an organization—especially over resources or administration (figurative use).
She became the archsteward of the foundation's assets, ensuring funds were used responsibly.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/08 22:30