Chām'ber-lain, n.

(-lin, 42), n. [O. Fr. chamberlain, chambrelain, chambrelenc, chamberlin, chambellain, N. Fr. chambellan, Pr. camerlenc, chamerlenc, Sp. camarengo, Pg. camerlengo, It. camarlingo, N. H. Ger. kämmerling, M. H. Ger. kemerlin, O. H. Ger. chamerling, chamarlinc, L. Lat. cambellanus, camberlanus, from Ger. kammer, Fr. chambre, Lat. camera, and the Ger. termination ling. See CHAMBER.] [Formerly written chamberlin.]

1. An attendant who has the charge of the chambers, as in a large house or hotel. Nares.
2. An officer having the direction and management of the private chambers of a nobleman or monarch; hence, in Europe, one of the high officers of a court.
3. A treasurer or receiver of public money, as the chamberlain of London, of North Wales, &c.

The lord chamberlain of England, the sixth officer of the crown. He waits upon the sovereign on the day of coronation; he has charge of providing all requisites for the palace, and for the House of Lords during the session of parliament, and other matters varying somewhat in different reigns. Under him are the gentleman usher of the black rod and other officers.