1. plural of chamberlain; high-ranking officials who manage the household of a monarch or noble
Usage: historical
2. plural of chamberlain; treasurers or financial officers of a city or corporation
Usage: formal; administrative

Examples

• The king’s chamberlains managed all aspects of the royal household.
• Medieval chamberlains were responsible for the monarch’s private chambers.
• The city appointed new chamberlains to oversee municipal finances.
• Royal chamberlains controlled access to the sovereign.
• The chamberlains presented the annual budget to the council.
• Historic records show that chamberlains held significant power in court.