steward

n. [ OE. stiward, AS. stīweard, stigweard, literally, a sty ward; stigu sty + weard warden, guardian, -- his first duty having been probably to attend to the domestic animals. √164. See Sty pen for swine, Ward. ] 1. A man employed in a large family, or on a large estate, to manage the domestic concerns, supervise other servants, collect the rents or income, keep accounts, and the like. [ 1913 Webster ]

Worthy to be stewards of rent and land. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

They came near to the steward of Joseph's house. Gen. xliii. 19. [ 1913 Webster ]

As good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Pet. iv. 10. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A person employed in a hotel, or a club, or on board a ship, to provide for the table, superintend the culinary affairs, etc. In naval vessels, the captain's steward, wardroom steward, steerage steward, warrant officers steward, etc., are petty officers who provide for the messes under their charge. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A fiscal agent of certain bodies; as, a steward in a Methodist church. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. In Scotland, a magistrate appointed by the crown to exercise jurisdiction over royal lands. Erskine. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. ] [ 1913 Webster ]