[cham.ber.lain] n [ME, fr. OF chamberlayn, of Gmc origin; akin to OHG chamarling chamberlain, fr. chamara chamber, fr. LL camera] (13c) 1: an attendant on a sovereign or lord in his bedchamber
2. a: a chief officer in the household of a king or nobleman b: treasurer
3: an often honorary papal attendant; specif: a priest having a rank of honor below domestic prelate