Steward

(stū'/ard), n. [O. Eng. stīward, A-S. stīge-weard, stīweard. Cf. A-S. stigu, stig, a way, path, stige, a sty, Icel. stia, a box, recess, O. H. Ger. stiga, ascent, path, lattice, sheep-fold, pen, and Eng. ward.]

1Sense 1. A man employed in a large family, or on a large estate, to manage the domestic concerns, superintend other servants, collect the rents or income, keep accounts, and the like.

2Sense 2. (Naut.) In vessels, one who has the charge of distributing food and drink, or of waiting on the officers and passengers; a waiter on board a ship or other vessel.

3Sense 3. A fiscal agent of certain bodies; as, the steward of a congregation in the Methodist church, and the like.

4Sense 4. In some colleges, an officer who provides food for the students, and superintends the kitchen; also, an officer who attends to the accounts of the students.

Lord high steward, formerly the first officer of the crown, afterward an officer occasionally appointed, as for a coronation, or upon the trial of a peer. [Eng.]

(stū'ard), v. t. To manage as a steward. [Obs.] Fuller.