Emily Dickinson Lexicon

STEW'ARD, n. [Sax. stiward. Ward is a keeper; but the meaning of the first syllable is not evident. It is probably a contraction of G. stube, a room, Eng. stow, Sax. stow, place, or sted, place, or of Dan. stöb, a cup. The steward was then originally a chamberlain or a butler.]

1. A man employed in great families to manage the domestic concerns, superintend the other servants, collect the rents or income, keep the accounts, &c. See Gen. xv, 2; xliii, 19.
2. An officer of state; as, lord high steward; steward of the household, &c. – England.
3. In colleges, an officer who provides food for the students and superintends the concerns of the kitchen.
4. In a ship of war, an officer who is appointed by the purser to distribute provisions to the officers and crew. In other ships, a man who superintends the provisions and liquors, and supplies the table.
5. In Scripture and theology, a minister of Christ, whose duty is to dispense the provisions of the Gospel, to preach its doctrines and administer its ordinances. It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. – 1 Cor. iv.