Crossword Genius

Officer had lain next to the room (11)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

chamberlain

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'officer' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'lain next to the room' is the wordplay.
'next to' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'the room' becomes 'chamber' (chamber is a kind of room).
'lain' after 'chamber' is 'CHAMBERLAIN'.

'had' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for chamberlain that I've seen before include "corporation's treasurer" , "Court official - former prime minister" , "gave service to monarch once?" , "Prime minister, 1937-40" , "Old PM" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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