Postelnichii

from the late 15th to the 17th century, a Russian court official of the grand prince and later of the tsar. The postel’nichii was in charge of the tsar’s private chambers, the postel’naia kazna (private treasury), and the chamber where the royal clothing and linen were sewn. He also administered the tax-exempt settlement where linens were prepared for royal use. The postel’nichii kept the seal used for urgent and secret state business and frequently was in charge of the tsar’s private offices. He had great influence over the actions of the tsar and was usually one of his closest advisors.