Concierge

The term concierge comes from the phrase comte des cierges, count of the candles. This phrase originated in France in 1627 when King Hugh erected a prison and put a nobleman in its charge. Later, a comte des cierges was the person who catered to all the whims of palace guests of nobility. Eventually, anyone in charge of a hotel, prison or castle became known as a conceirge.

Con`cierge" (?), n. [F.]

One who keeps the entrance to an edifice, public or private; a doorkeeper; a janitor, male or female.

© Webster 1913.