A person employed to manage another's property or affairs, or a surname derived from this occupation.
From Old English 'stiweard' (stig 'hall, house' + weard 'ward, keeper'), meaning 'hall guardian.' Originally a high-ranking household official responsible for managing estates and servants.
Medieval stewards were among the most powerful people in a noble household, often more influential than knights because they controlled the finances and food supply. The Stewart/Stuart royal dynasty of Scotland got their name from this hereditary office.
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