Archcupbearer

/ˌɑːrkˈkʌpˌbɛrər/ noun

Definition

The chief or supreme cupbearer; the highest-ranking official responsible for serving wine and beverages to a monarch or lord.

Etymology

From arch- (chief, principal) + cupbearer (from cup + bearer). In medieval courts, the cupbearer was a position of great trust, as the person serving drinks could poison the ruler.

Kelly Says

Cupbearers were one of the most trusted (and suspicious) positions in royal courts because they had constant access to the king—so the archcupbearer practically had the king's ear at all times, making them incredibly powerful!

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