Shaashgaz

Shaashgaz was a eunuch (chamberlain) in the court of the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes I, reigned 486–465 B.C.) who had charge of the king's second house of women — the concubines, as distinguished from the virgins in the first house under Hegai (Esth. 2:14). After a young woman had spent her night with the king, she was transferred to Shaashgaz's keeping and would not return to the king unless specifically called by name. Esther, who was placed in the first house under Hegai (Esth. 2:8), is distinguished from these women by being chosen as queen. The name is of Persian origin.