Architriclinus

ARCHITRICLINUS, which is generally translated Steward, signifies rather the Master or Intendant of the Feast; one, says Gaudentius of Brescia¹, who is the Husband’s friend, and is charged with the order and œconomy of the Feast. He gave his directions to the servants, had an eye over every thing, commanded the tables to be covered, or to be cleared of the dishes, as he thought most proper. Qui conviviorum apparatum, ministros atque ordinem dispensaret; & hic pro officio Architriclinus, hoc est, triclinii præpositus, dicebatur. He tasted and distributed wine to the Guests. See how the Author of Ecclesiasticus describes this office of Master of the Feast, If thou be made the Master of a Feast, lift not thy self up, but be among them as one of the rest, take diligent care of them, and so sit down. And when thou hast done all thy office, take thy place, that thou mayest be merry with them, and receive a Crown for the well-ordering of the Feast.

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