[1][2] With the growth of the feudal system, the title gained in France a special significance which it never acquired in England since the Norman conquest, as implying the jurisdiction of which the castle became the centre.
The châtelain was originally, in Carolingian times, an official of the comte (count); with the development of feudalism the office became a fief, and so ultimately hereditary.
Usually their rank in the feudal hierarchy was equivalent to that of the "Sire" (medieval French) or lord (Latin: dominus), between the baron and the chevalier; but occasionally they were great nobles with an extensive jurisdiction, as in the Low Countries (see Burgrave).
[2] It can also refer to a woman's ornamental chain worn around the waist, with keys, a purse, timepiece, or other household attachments.
[2] In Canada, the wife of the Governor General (the Viceregal consort of Canada), is referred to by the nominal and symbolic title "Châtelaine of Rideau Hall", in diplomatic and ceremonial protocol for Canadian and British government ceremonies and special events.