lord-in-waiting

The lord-in-waiting stands attentively beside the throne.

Definition

1. Noun (countable):
   • A male courtier in the British royal household: A "lord-in-waiting" is a nobleman who serves as a personal attendant to the monarch, typically performing ceremonial duties and assisting at state events. This role is often held by members of the House of Lords.

Usage Examples

• (The noble attendant formally introduced the diplomat to the monarch.)
• (Multiple noble attendants were present for the ceremony.)
• (He became a personal attendant to the queen.)

Advanced Usage

• "to act as a lord-in-waiting": to perform the duties of this role.
  • He acted as a lord-in-waiting during the state banquet. (He served as the monarch's attendant at the formal dinner.)
• "lord-in-waiting to [monarch]": specifying which monarch the nobleman serves.
  • The lord-in-waiting to King Charles III read the proclamation. (The attendant for the current king read the official announcement.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lady-in-waiting (n): a female attendant to a queen or princess.
  • The lady-in-waiting accompanied the princess to the ball. (The female attendant escorted the princess.)
• In-waiting (adj): serving as an attendant to a royal person.
  • The position of lord-in-waiting is a temporary role. (The role of royal attendant is not permanent.)

Synonyms

• Courtier: a person who attends a royal court.
• Attendant: a person who serves or accompanies another.
• Chamberlain (historical): an official who manages the household of a monarch.

Related Idioms

• "to be in waiting": to be ready to serve or attend.
  • The lords-in-waiting are always in waiting for the king's commands. (They are always prepared to serve the king.)