seneschal

noun

sen·​e·​schal ˈse-nə-shəl How to pronounce seneschal (audio)
: an agent or steward in charge of a lord's estate in feudal times

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Eventually, he would be appointed royal seneschal and become a close advisor of the king’s. Anne Thériault, Longreads, 3 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'seneschal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, of Germanic origin; akin to Goth sineigs old and to Old High German scalc servant — more at senior

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of seneschal was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near seneschal

Cite this Entry

“Seneschal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seneschal. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

seneschal

noun
sen·​e·​schal ˈsen-ə-shəl How to pronounce seneschal (audio)
: an agent or bailiff who managed a lord's estate in feudal times

More from Merriam-Webster on seneschal

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Love It or Hate It

  • heart-fire
  • When asked about her blind date, Carol spoke for hours with vitriol.
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY