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.