chatelain

See also: Chatelain and châtelain

English

Alternative forms

• châtelain

Etymology

From Middle English chateleyn, from Middle French chatelaine, from Old French chastelein and castelain (“castellan”), from chastel and castel (“castle”) + -ain (“-an: forming adj.”), from Medieval Latin castellum, from Latin castrum (“fort”) + -ellum (“-elle: forming diminutives”). Doublet of Castilian, castellano, castellanus, and castellan.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈʃætəleɪn/, /ʃætəˈleɪn/

Noun

chatelain (plural chatelains)

1. Synonym of castellan: the lord of a castle; a caretaker entrusted to oversee a castle for its lord.

Usage notes

Not to be confused with chatelaine (“mistress of a household; chain with keys”), which is usually pronounced the same.

Anagrams

• anethical