Steward Meaning
Steward Definition & Usage
A person responsible for managing, overseeing, or caring for something, especially in a professional or official capacity.
Examples
- "The steward ensured all passengers had their seatbelts fastened before takeoff."
- "He served as the steward of the community center, making sure it ran smoothly."
- "As a hotel steward, she managed room service and guest requests."
- "The steward of the estate took care of all the land and property."
- "At the event, the steward guided the guests to their seats and provided them with drinks."
A person in charge of a large estate or a group of workers, especially in feudal times, whose duties involved overseeing the land and its operations.
Examples
- "The steward was responsible for the upkeep of the castle’s grounds and the welfare of the peasants."
- "In medieval times, the steward supervised the day-to-day operations of the lord’s estate."
- "As steward, he made sure the harvest was gathered and distributed to the villagers."
- "The estate steward reported directly to the lord about the agricultural yields."
- "Her grandfather had once been the steward of a large manor house in the countryside."
To serve or manage something, particularly in a way that is organized and attentive.
Examples
- "She stewards the company's finances with great care."
- "They stewards the community’s resources to ensure sustainability."
- "As a director, he stewards the team’s progress with a focus on innovation."
- "The organization stewards the donations it receives carefully to maximize impact."
- "His main role was to steward the guests through the event smoothly."
Cultural Context
The word 'steward' originates from Old English, where 'stiward' referred to a household manager. Historically, stewards were trusted individuals who managed estates, castles, or even ships. Over time, the meaning broadened to include roles in travel (flight attendants, for instance) and event management.
The Steward of the Manor
Story
The Steward of the Manor
Once, in a small village nestled between rolling hills, there was an old manor house where the steward, an elderly man named Gregory, had served for decades. The manor, once bustling with activity, had become quieter over the years, with fewer visitors and less frequent feasts. Gregory’s job was not only to manage the estate but to care for it as if it were his own. He ensured that the grand gardens were maintained, the workers’ wages were paid, and the lord’s interests were well-looked after. One day, a young woman named Eliza came to the manor to work as Gregory’s assistant. She had heard stories of his meticulous stewardship and was eager to learn. However, Eliza quickly realized that managing an estate wasn’t as glamorous as it seemed. It was about long hours in the kitchen, keeping track of supplies, and ensuring everything ran smoothly. As weeks passed, Eliza began to admire Gregory’s dedication. He wasn’t just an overseer; he was a steward in every sense of the word—he took care of the land, the people, and even the lord’s finances. His work was tireless, and he had a deep knowledge of how the estate functioned. Gregory taught Eliza the true meaning of stewardship: it wasn’t about being in charge but about caring for something with responsibility and respect. One evening, when the lord of the manor returned from a long trip, Gregory welcomed him back with the usual grace. But this time, the lord noticed the changes—how well the workers were treated, how much better the crops had grown, and how serene the manor had become. 'Gregory,' the lord said, 'you have truly stewarded this estate.' Eliza smiled quietly to herself. She had learned that stewardship was not only about managing resources—it was about nurturing the soul of a place and its people. Gregory passed away several years later, but his legacy lived on. Eliza, now a steward in her own right, continued his work, always remembering the lessons he had taught her about dedication, responsibility, and care for the land she tended to. She knew that to steward something well was a rare and noble calling, one that would stay with her for the rest of her life.
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