[F. concierge, in OF. cumcerges, concerge, -ciarge, -sirge, -sierge, -cherge, whence med.L. consergius (in text of 1106): derivation unknown.]
1. The custodian of a house, castle, prison, etc.; a warden; formerly, in France and other countries, the title of a high official who had the custody of a royal palace, fortress, etc. Obs. exc. Hist.
1646. Buck, Rich. III., 99. He is knowne and re-known by the Conciergres, by the Judges, by the greater part of the Senate, and by his owne Confessor, &c.
1660. Hexham, Dutch Dict., Den Opper-meister, the Concierge, or the Chiefe-master.
1856. Motley, Dutch Rep. (1861), II. 264. He directed Don Eugenio de Paralta, concierge of the fortress of Simancas, to repair to Segovia.
2. Now, in France and other foreign countries, The person who has charge of the entrance of a building; a janitor, porter.
a. 1697. Aubrey, Acc. Verulam, Anecd. II. 230 (T.). The concierge that shewed the house would shut the door, to put this fallacy on him with the looking-glasse.
1840. Costello, Summer amongst Bocages, II. 31. The concierge and her family contrive to make for themselves a shelter amongst the crumbling galleries.
1866. Mrs. H. Wood, St. Martin’s Eve, xxi. The concierge at Signor de Castella’s is sure to know her address.
† 3. ? = CONCIERGERIE. Obs.
a. 1649. Drumm. of Hawth., Consid. to Parl., Wks. 186. That all bishops houses, concierges, abbays, & nunries, be made places to entertain souldiers.
