steward
steward
UK[ˈstjuːəd]US[ˈstuːərd]
n
A person who looks after the passengers on a ship, aircraft, or train and brings them meals.
n
A person responsible for supplies of food to a college, club, or other institution.
n
A person employed to manage another's property, especially a large house or estate.
Etymology
The word 'steward' originates from the Old English 'stīweard', a compound of 'stīg' (meaning "house, hall, sty") and 'weard' (meaning "guard, keeper"). Literally, it meant "keeper of the hall or house." This role evolved from a domestic manager in a noble household to an administrator of estates. Over centuries, its application broadened to anyone entrusted with management and care, such as on ships and aircraft, reflecting the core concept of a responsible guardian.
Analysis
This is a simplex word derived from Old English. It is a compound of two Old English elements, but these are not transparently segmentable in the modern English spelling without altering their form.
Examples
The airline steward demonstrated the safety procedures before takeoff.
He served as the steward of the family's finances for decades.
The club's steward is in charge of ordering food and drink for events.