Definition of chancellor

The word "chancellor" originates from the Old French word "chancelier," which was derived from the Latin "cancelarius." This Latin term referred to the holder of a cancelum, or a desk or table, where official documents were written and sealed. In ancient Rome, the cancelarius was a high-ranking administrative official responsible for overseeing the imperial chancery, or the office where official documents were prepared and issued. When the Latin Empire fell, the title was adopted by the Holy Roman Empire, where it referred to the chief administrative officer of the empire. The word "chancellor" has since been adapted into many languages, including English, French, German, and Spanish, and is still used today to refer to a high-ranking government official, often the chief executive or head of government.