seneschal
|sen-e-shal|
🇺🇸
/ˈsɛnəʃəl/
🇬🇧
/ˈsɛnɪʃəl/
senior servant; chief steward
Etymology
'seneschal' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'senechal' (or 'seneschal'), where elements trace back to Late Latin 'seniscalcus' combining 'senex' meaning 'old' and a Germanic/Old Frankish element 'scalc' (or 'scalcus') meaning 'servant'.
'seniscalcus' from Late Latin passed into Old French as 'senechal' (or 'seneschal'), then into Middle English as 'seneschal' and eventually the modern English 'seneschal'.
Initially, it meant 'old (or senior) servant' or 'senior retainer'; over time it evolved to denote a high-ranking steward or administrative officer responsible for domestic and sometimes judicial affairs.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a chief steward or principal administrative officer in a medieval noble household, responsible for domestic arrangements and management of servants.
The seneschal organized the servants and kept the household accounts for the lord.
Synonyms
Noun 2
an official in charge of administration or judicial matters in certain medieval or feudal jurisdictions; sometimes a regional or court officer.
As seneschal of the manor, she presided over the local court and administered justice.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/08 00:46