E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Groom of the Stole.
Keeper of the stole or state-robe. His duty, originally, was to invest the king in his state-robe, but he had also to hand him his shirt when he dressed. The office, when a queen reigns, is termed Mistress of the Robes, but Queen Anne had her “Groom of the Stole.” (Greek, stol, a garment.) (See BRIDEGROOM.)
, a garment.) (See B
