SpalNik

Spal’Nik

 

a court rank in the Russian state from the late 15th through the 17th century. Spal’niki were subordinate to po-stel’nichie (seePOSTEL-NICHII). They attended the sovereign in his bedroom, dressed and undressed him, and accompanied him on journeys. Spal’niki were usually young men of noble birth.