What is meant by Cup bearer?

A Cup bearer was a high-ranking official in royal courts. Because it was the Cup-bearer's duty to serve the wine at the king's table, the Word has sometimes been mistranslated as "butler". in fact, the duties were above that of a common butler. The position of Cup-bearer was one involving a great deal of trust, and sometimes the Cup-bearer was required to taste the King's wine, to ensure it had not been poisoned by politically ambitious traitors. The Cup-bearer was a confidante to the King, privy to his inmost thoughts. He was required to be handsome in appearance, and dignified in bearing.