chamberlain

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun British statesman who as Prime Minister pursued a policy of appeasement toward fascist Germany (1869-1940)
  2. noun the treasurer of a municipal corporation
  3. noun an officer who manages the household of a king or nobleman

Etymology

From Middle English chamberlein, chaumberlein, chaumberleyn, from Anglo-Norman chamberlenc, Old French chamberlayn, chamberlenc (“chamberlain”), from Frankish *kamarling (“chamberlain”), equivalent to *kamer (“chamber”) + *-ling (“-ling”). Cognate with Old High German chamarling (“chamberlain”). Compare also Late Latin camerārius and comrade. More at chamber, -ling.

In classic literature

Synonyms

Neville Chamberlain, Arthur Neville Chamberlain

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