the dignity or office of grand-master of a prince's household. This title was given by the Emperor of Constantinople to the Czar of Russia as a testimony of favour. In France the like officer was instituted by Charlemagne, under the title of dapiferat; and the dignity of dapifer is still subsisting in Germany, the elector of Bavaria assuming the title of arch dapifer of the empire, whose office is, at the coronation of the emperor, to carry the first dish of meat to table on horseback.