major domus

…Roman Empire had employed a major domus (mayor, or supervisor, of the household) to superintend the administration of numerous, often scattered, estates. The Merovingians appointed a major palatii (mayor of the palace) to perform a similar function. The mayor gradually acquired further duties and powers: he obtained authority over court…

…seneschal was subordinate to the major domus, or mayor of the palace, and had charge of the personnel of the royal household. Under the Carolingians he became responsible for organizing the journeys of king or emperor and, by 1071, was the chief officer—steward of the household, head of the army,…