castellan

noun

cas·​tel·​lan ˈka-stə-lən How to pronounce castellan (audio)
: a governor or warden of a castle or fort

Examples of castellan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Conversely, the castellan (the commander of the castle and the king's loyal man) might capitulate if certain promises of safety, payment, and bounty were provided. William Gurstelle, Popular Mechanics, 11 Apr. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'castellan.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English castelleyn, from Anglo-French castelain, chastelein, from Latin castellanus occupant of a fortress, from castellanus of a fortress, from castellum fortress — more at castle

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of castellan was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near castellan

Cite this Entry

“Castellan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/castellan. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on castellan

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!