Grand panetier

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GRAND PANETIER is the French title (roughly 'Great Breadmaster') of one of the Great Officers of the Crown of France, functional chief of the (grande) paneterie (the root of the English word pantry) or bread department, originally (known since the 11th century) one of the two sections of the gobelet du roi ('King's drinking-cup) with a staff of 12 sommeliers, 4 aides, 1 garde-vaiselle (for the dirty dishes), 2porte(u)rs and a lavandier (laundryman), helping him to wash, prepare and gather again all the royal table utensils, as well as the bread. In time some of these duties were transferred to other sections so his function at the King's table became ceremonial. Under the Sun King his was one of the 7 sections of the bouche du Roi or king's table.

He did gain several privileges, including jurisdiction over the (monopolistic) corporation of bakers in Paris. The office was made hereditary in the noble family Cossé de Brissac in the 16th century; the last incumbent died in 1782. In heraldry, he placed below his shield, left and right, a nef d'or and a cadenat, golden object placed near the King's setting at the table.

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