Question

chatelaine noun The original chatelaine's domain was a castle or fort, and the chatelaine's duties were many. To complete them, she certainly needed keys. In the 18th century, the word "chatelaine" (borrowed from the French "châtelaine") took on an additional meaning in English that alluded to this: the word came to be used for a decorative clasp or hook from which chains holding a watch, purse, keys, etc. were suspended. These popular accessories evoked the bunch of keys the original chatelaine had worn of necessity. 1 a : the wife of a castellan : the mistress of a châteaub : the mistress of a household or of a large establishment2 : a clasp or hook for a watch, purse, or bunch of keys

Accepted Answer

June 23, 2010 SHAT-uh-layn "Leah sets aside her artistic career to become the perfect Swiss wife, mother and chatelaine of a massive estate." (Publisher’s Weekly, September 22, 2008)

Word	chatelaine
Date	June 23, 2010
Type	noun
Syllables	SHAT-uh-layn
Etymology	The original chatelaine's domain was a castle or fort, and the chatelaine's duties were many. To complete them, she certainly needed keys. In the 18th century, the word "chatelaine" (borrowed from the French "châtelaine") took on an additional meaning in English that alluded to this: the word came to be used for a decorative clasp or hook from which chains holding a watch, purse, keys, etc. were suspended. These popular accessories evoked the bunch of keys the original chatelaine had worn of necessity.
Examples	"Leah sets aside her artistic career to become the perfect Swiss wife, mother and chatelaine of a massive estate." (Publisher’s Weekly, September 22, 2008)
Definition	1 a : the wife of a castellan : the mistress of a château b : the mistress of a household or of a large establishment 2 : a clasp or hook for a watch, purse, or bunch of keys

Chatelaine Original Chatelaine's Word Clasp Hook Watch Purse