STEWARD

This word signifies a man appointed in the place or stead of another, and generally denotes a principal oflicer within his jurisdiction. Brown. Land steward. See LAND. Steward of a manor. An important officer who has the general management of all forensic matters connected with the manor of which he is steward. He stands in much the same relation to the lord of the manor as an under-sheriff does to the sheriff. Cowell. Steward of all England. In old English law. An officer who was invested with various powers; among others, to preside on the trial of peers. Steward of Scotland. An officer of the highest dignity and trust. He administered the crown revenues, superintended the affairs of the household, and possessed the privilege of holding the first place in the army, next to the king, in the day of battle. From this office the royal house of Stuart took its name. But the office was sunk on their advancement to the throne, and has never since been revived. Bell.