An erroneous spelling of CONTROLLER, introduced c. 1500, and formerly frequent in all senses; still retained in certain official designations, while in others it has been changed to the ordinary spelling. Hence Comptrollership.
Whitaker’s Almanac, 1890, gives (p. 84) Her Majesty’s Household—Comptroller of Household; Clerk Comptroller, Kitchen. Lord Chamberlain’s Department—Comptroller of Accounts. Chapel Royal—Comptroller of Royal Closet. Household of Prince of Wales—Comptroller and Treasurer. Household of Duchess of Albany—Comptroller. So in Households of Prince Christian, Duke of Edinburgh, Duke of Connaught. Also, in Government Offices (p. 148): Exchequer and Audit Department—Comptroller and Auditor-General; Assistant Comptroller and Auditor. Board of Trade—Comptroller of Corn Returns. Patent Office—Comptroller General. National Debt Office—Comptroller General; Assistant Comptroller.
But on the other hand: (p. 147) Controller of the Navy; Controller of H. M. Stationery Office; and so in the various departments of the Inland Revenue, Post Office, Telegraphs, etc.
1525. Ld. Berners, Froissart, xxvi. p. xxx. One that he trusted best shulde be his comptroller and to hym all other shulde accompt.
