master

master¹

noun

1》 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.

2》 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.

3》 a person who has complete control of something: he was master of the situation.

4》 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.

5》 [usu. in titles] a person who holds a second or further degree: a master's degree.

6》 a title prefixed to the name of a boy.

7》 a machine or device directly controlling another. Compare with slave.

8》 an original film, recording, or document from which copies can be made.

adjective

1》 having or showing very great skill or proficiency.

    ↘denoting a person skilled in a particular trade and able to teach others: a master builder.

2》 main; principal: the master bedroom.

verb

1》 acquire complete knowledge or skill in.

2》 gain control of; overcome.

3》 make a master copy of (a film or record).

Derivatives

masterless adjective

mastership noun

Origin

OE mæg(i)ster, from L. magister.

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master²

noun a ship or boat with a specified number of masts: a three-master.