An officer in a king's or a nobleman's household, whose principal business it is to take charge of the liquors, plate, etc.; the head servant in a large house.

The servant in charge of the wines and of officiating at dinner. He also looked after the family ‘plateâ€(tm) sometimes sleeping in a room next to the safe in which it was locked at night. In the absence of a steward, he was the senior member of the male household staff, with power to fire the footmen. He also sometimes warmed and ironed the newspapers before the masterâ€(tm)s breakfast.

College butlers serve the senior members, e.g. at High Table.

A Butler is either formally trained, or highly experienced. The Butler supervises other domestic staff, serves meals and refreshments, answers the door and telephone, performs table and room set ups, and can be called upon for valet duties.