master1
n.
- chiefly historical a man who has people working for him, especially servants or slaves.
▸dated a male head of a household.
▸the male owner of a dog, cat, etc.
- a skilled practitioner of a particular art or activity.
▸a great artist, especially one belonging to the accepted canon.
▸a very strong chess player.
▸
(Masters)
[treated as sing.]
(in some sports) a class for competitors over the usual age for the highest level of competition.
- a person who has complete control of something:
he was master of the situation.
- a man in charge of an organization or group.
▸Brit. a male schoolteacher, especially at a public or prep school.
▸the head of a college or school.
▸the presiding officer of a livery company or Masonic lodge.
▸the captain of a merchant ship.
▸(in England and Wales) an official of the Supreme Court.
-
[usu. in titles]
a person who holds a second or further degree:
a master's degree.
- a title prefixed to the name of a boy.
- a machine or device directly controlling another. Compare with slave.
- an original film, recording, or document from which copies can be made.
adj.
- having or showing very great skill or proficiency.
▸denoting a person skilled in a particular trade and able to teach others:
a master builder.
- main; principal:
the master bedroom.
v.
- acquire complete knowledge or skill in.
- gain control of; overcome.
- make a master copy of (a film or record).
Derivative
- masterless adj.
- mastership n.
Etymology
OE mæg(i)ster, from L. magister.
master2
n.
a ship or boat with a specified number of masts:
a three-master.