Cup bearer

[W]hile the King [Edward the Confessor] and Godwine [Godwin, Earl of Wessex] ſate at the table, accompanied with others of the nobilitie, it chanced the Cupbearer (as he brought wine to the bourd) to ſlip with the one foote, and yet by good ſtrength of his other leg, to recouer himſelfe without falling: [...]

[P]rosper, I pray thee, thy ſeruant this day, and grant him mercie in the ſight of this man. For I was the kings cup-bearer.

This Princeſs [Elizabeth I], in imitation of her Father Henry the Eighth did admit none about her for Penſioners, Privy Chamber-men, Squires of the Body, Carver's, Cupbearers, Sewers, &c. (that were not a few in number) but perſons of ſtature, ſtrength, and birth, [...]

[C]alling for Drink, one of the King's Cup-bearers that was accuſtomed to ſerve me, preſented the Cup with a troubled Look, and diſcompoſed Countenance: [...] taking the Cup from his Hands, I was carrying it to my Mouth, when Arſanes enter'd the Chamber, and haſtily running up to me, juſt as I touched the Cup with my Lips, he ruſhed against my Arm ſo rudely, as he made me let fall the Cup, [...]

The cup-bearer shrugged his shoulders in displeasure. "I thought to have lodged him in the solere chamber," said he; "but since he is so unsocial to Christians, e'en let him take the next stall to Isaac the Jew's.— [...]"

The routine of the royal household required great swarms of servants, designated variously as cupbearers (scantiones), squires (scutiferi), pantlers (panetarii), cooks, and falconers, all of lesser importance than the chamberlain.

The hands were washed with perfumed water before commencing, and frequently wiped on a napkin as the meal proceeded, while cupbearers stood by to replenish the drinking cup and bowls of the king and his guests.