What is a butler?

The word "butler" comes from Anglo-Norman buteler, variant form of Old Norman "butelier", corresponding to Old French "botellier " officer in charge of the king's wine bottles, derived of "boteille" bottle, Modern French "bouteille", itself from Gallo-Romance "BUTICULA" "bottle". The role of the butler, for centuries, has been that of the chief steward of a household, the attendant entrusted with the care and serving of wine and other bottled beverages which in ancient times might have represented a considerable portion of the household's assets.