Postelnic (Romanian pronunciation: [posˈtelnik], plural: postelnici, from the Slavic postel, "bed"; cf. Russian postelnichy) was a historical rank traditionally held by boyars in Moldavia and Wallachia, roughly corresponding to the position of chamberlain. It was also known as stratonic (plural: stratonici), and the office was known as postelnicie or statornicie.
Initially, postelnici had as their main attribute tending to the sleeping quarters of monarchs (at both the Moldavian and Wallachian courts). In time, the office became associated with organizing audiences at both courts, and, during the 19th century, became the equivalent of a foreign minister.
References[]
- Magazin Istoric - anul V, nr. 5 (50), mai 1971
- Mihai Dim. Sturdza - Familiile boiereşti din Moldova şi Ţara Românească - Vol. I - Ed. Simetria, 2004 - ISBN 973-85821-7-2
- Organizarea de stat a Tarilor Romane in secolele XIV-XVII. Administratia centrala. [1]