cupbearer

1. (chiefly historical) One who ceremonially fills and hands out the cups in which a drink is served.Examples: "[W]hile the King [Edward the Confessor] and Godwine [Godwin, Earl of Wessex] ſate at the table, accompanied with others of the nobilitie, it chanced the Cupbearer (as he brought wine to the bourd) to ſlip with the one foote, and yet by good ſtrength of his other leg, to recouer himſelfe without falling: [...]"; "[P]rosper, I pray thee, thy ſeruant this day, and grant him mercie in the ſight of this man. For I was the kings cup-bearer."; "This Princeſs [Elizabeth I], in imitation of her Father Henry the Eighth did admit none about her for Penſioners, Privy Chamber-men, Squires of the Body, Carver's, Cupbearers, Sewers, &c. (that were not a few in number) but perſons of ſtature, ſtrength, and birth, [...]"Synonyms: cupperhistorical