KudoZ home » French to English » History

Maître d’hostel

English translation: Majordomo

Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.

You will also have access to many other tools and opportunities designed for those who have language-related jobs
(or are passionate about them). Participation is free and the site has a strict confidentiality policy.

17:13 Aug 8, 2010

French to English translations [PRO]
History / Royal employee

French term or phrase: Maître d’hostel

In a translation about a chateau. The builder of the chateau was "Maître d’hostel" to the King of France. Does anyone know the modern-day English equivalent, please? Would "Majordomo", "Steward" or something similar do? Thanks in advance.

Nicky Over KudoZ activity Questions: 280 (none open) (14 closed without grading) Answers: 49 United Kingdom
Local time: 17:10

English translation:Majordomo

Explanation:
This would be safe bet. Take a look at the many 1,500+ references in Google books to "Maître d’hostel" and look at their functions. Of course, "Stewart" would also work.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 22 hrs (2010-08-09 15:48:11 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

Apologies for the typo. Steward, of course.

Selected response from:

InfoMarex
Ireland
Local time: 17:10

Grading comment

4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer

Summary of answers provided

3 +3

Majordomo

InfoMarex

Maître d’hostel

Fiorsam

Summary of reference entries provided

Maître d'hôtel du Roi

Sandra Mouton

Maître d’hostel

Fiorsam

Discussion entries: 1

Answers

22 mins confidence:

peer agreement (net): +3

Majordomo

InfoMarex
Ireland
Local time: 17:10
Native speaker of:

English
PRO pts in category: 4

Notes to answerer

Asker: Thanks very much for your help.

1 day7 hrs confidence:

Maître d’hostel

Explanation:
It shouldn't be translated. See reference below.
I thought Sandra would post an answer but since she hasn't so far I decided to do it myself. However, I give precedence to Sandra should she decide to post her answer.

Fiorsam
Local time: 12:10
Works in field
Native speaker of:

Italian

Reference comments

16 hrs peer agreement (net): +1

Reference: Maître d'hôtel du Roi

Reference information:
A high office at the royal court, held by noblemen.

Reference: http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ma%C3%AEtre_d%27h%C3%B4tel_du_r...
Reference: http://www.heraldique-europeenne.org/Regions/France/Grand_Ma...

Sandra Mouton
United Kingdom
Works in field
Native speaker of:

French

19 hrs

Reference: Maître d’hostel

Reference information:
I completely agree with Sandra. Majordomo is NOT appropriate in this context. The termi should not be translated. It is used in English (and other languages) as well as in French.

This term originated from medieval courts, where the holder was an important
This term originated from medieval courts, where the holder was an important courtier, like Olivier de la Marche in 15th century Burgundy.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maître_d'

Charles the Bold, and after his death held the important position of maître d'hotel to his daughter Mary of Burgundy, [1] and her husband, and was sent on a mission as ambassador to France.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 19 hrs (2010-08-09 12:46:26 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

Do not post any comments to this entry. I was writing while Sandra was posting her answer. She got there first.

Fiorsam
United States
Works in field
Native speaker of:

Italian

Return to KudoZ list

KudoZ™ translation help
The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.

Overview

Latest translation questions

Ask a translation question

See also:

ProZ.com term search

Search millions of term translations

Maître d’hostel

English translation: Majordomo

Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.

Answers

Reference comments

Sign in to your ProZ.com account...

Or create a new account

ProZ.com ideas

KudoZ™ translation help
The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.

Maître d’hostel

English translation: Majordomo

Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.

Answers

Reference comments

Sign in to your ProZ.com account...

Or create a new account

ProZ.com ideas

KudoZ™ translation helpThe KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.

KudoZ™ translation help
The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.