Definition

1. Noun:
   • A servant or attendant, typically in a royal or noble household, whose primary duty is to serve wine or other drinks: A cupbearer is an officer responsible for filling and presenting cups of wine, often with a ceremonial or trusted role.
   • A historical or ceremonial role: The term often refers to a specific position in ancient courts, where the cupbearer was a person of high trust, sometimes responsible for tasting drinks for safety.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • In the royal court, the cupbearer presented the golden goblet to the king.
  • The young nobleman was appointed as the king's cupbearer, a position of great honor.
  • Ancient texts describe the cupbearer's duty to ensure the wine was properly served.

Advanced Usage

• "To act as a cupbearer": To perform the duties of serving drinks in a formal or ceremonial context.
  • During the banquet, he was asked to act as a cupbearer for the visiting dignitaries.

Variants and Related Words

• Cup (n): A small bowl-shaped container for drinking.
• Bearer (n): A person who carries or holds something.
• Butler (n): The chief male servant of a household, who may also manage wine service. (Note: A butler's role is broader than a cupbearer's specific duty.)
• Steward (n): A person who manages another's property or affairs; historically, could include serving duties.

Synonyms

• Wine steward: A person in charge of serving wine.
• Server: One who serves food or drink.
• Attendant: A person employed to provide a service to others.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(This word is a noun and does not typically form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

(There are no common idioms directly featuring the word 'cupbearer'.)

Noun

1. the attendant (usually an officer of a nobleman's household) whose duty is to fill and serve cups of wine