Châtelain
Châtelain (from
History
With the growth of the
The title châtelain continued also to be applied to the inferior officer, or concierge châtelain, who was merely a
This variation was most marked in the cities, where in the struggle for power that of the châtelain depended on the success with which he could assert himself against his feudal superior, lay or ecclesiastical, or, from the 12th century onwards, against the rising power of the communes. The châtellenie (casteliania), or jurisdiction of the châtelain, as a territorial division for certain judicial and administrative purposes, survived the disappearance of the title and office of the châtelain in France, and continued until the Revolution.[3]
The feminine form, châtelaine, refers to the mistress of a castle or château, or the mistress of any large medieval household.[2] It can also refer to a woman's ornamental chain worn around the waist, with keys, a purse, timepiece, or other household attachments.[2]
Canada
In Canada, the wife of the Governor General (the Viceregal consort of Canada), is referred to by the nominal and symbolic title "Châtelaine of Rideau Hall", in diplomatic and ceremonial protocol for Canadian and British government ceremonies and special events.[citation needed][dubious ]
Notes and references
Notes
- ^ Abraham Rees Ebers, "CASTELLAIN", in: The Cyclopædia, or Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, and Literature (London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme & Brown, 1819), vol. 6.
- ^ ISBN 9780764556029.
- ^ a b c Chisholm 1911.
References
- Achille Luchaire, Manuel des institutions françaises (Paris, 1892).
- Du Cange, Glossarium, s. Castellanus.
- This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Châtelain". Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 5 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 964.
