(Lat. *dapes, feast,* and *fero, to bear*), literally, one who brings meat to table, was formerly the title or office of the grand-master of a king's household. This title was given by the Emperor of Constantinople to the Czar of Russia as a testimony of favour. In France an analogous office was instituted by Charlemagne. The dignity of dapifer still subsists at some of the German courts.