chatelaine
/ˈʃætəleɪn/
noun
- The female keeper or mistress of a castle or large house; a female castellan.
- The chatelaine wore a set of keys at her waist, symbolizing her authority over the castle.
- The chatelaine managed the household staff and welcomed visiting nobles.
- As chatelaine of the estate, she planned all the formal dinners and garden parties.
- A decorative clasp or chain worn at the waist, from which small useful items such as keys, scissors, or a watch are hung.
- Victorian ladies often carried a chatelaine to keep their household keys handy.
- The antique chatelaine on display had a small watch and a perfume bottle hanging from it.
- She wore a silver chatelaine with a tiny pair of scissors and a thimble attached.
Synonyms