Master /(?)/

Mast·er

Master

n.
  1. A vessel having (so many) masts; -- used only in compounds; as, a two-master. (Naut.)

Master

n.
  1. A male person having another living being so far subject to his will, that he can, in the main, control his or its actions; -- formerly used with much more extensive application than now.
  2. One who uses, or controls at will, anything inanimate; as, to be master of one's time.
    Master of a hundred thousand drachms.
    We are masters of the sea.
    — Jowett (Thucyd.).
  3. One who has attained great skill in the use or application of anything; as, a master of oratorical art.
    Great masters of ridicule.
    No care is taken to improve young men in their own language, that they may thoroughly understand and be masters of it.
  4. A title given by courtesy, now commonly pronounced mĭster, except when given to boys; -- sometimes written Mister, but usually abbreviated to Mr.
  5. A young gentleman; a lad, or small boy.
    Where there are little masters and misses in a house, they are impediments to the diversions of the servants.
  6. The commander of a merchant vessel; -- usually called captain. Also, a commissioned officer in the navy ranking next above ensign and below lieutenant; formerly, an officer on a man-of-war who had immediate charge, under the commander, of sailing the vessel. (Naut.)
  7. A person holding an office of authority among the Freemasons, esp. the presiding officer; also, a person holding a similar office in other civic societies.
    Throughout the city by the master gate.

Phrases & Compounds
Little masters
certain German engravers of the 16th century, so called from the extreme smallness of their prints.
Master in chancery
an officer of courts of equity, who acts as an assistant to the chancellor or judge, by inquiring into various matters referred to him, and reporting thereon to the court.
Master of arts
one who takes the second degree at a university; also, the degree or title itself, indicated by the abbreviation M. A., or A. M.
Master of the horse
the third great officer in the British court, having the management of the royal stables, etc. In ceremonial cavalcades he rides next to the sovereign.
Master of the rolls
in England, an officer who has charge of the rolls and patents that pass the great seal, and of the records of the chancery, and acts as assistant judge of the court.
Past master
one who has held the office of master in a lodge of Freemasons or in a society similarly organized.
The old masters
distinguished painters who preceded modern painters; especially, the celebrated painters of the 16th and 17th centuries.
To be master of one's self
to have entire self-control; not to be governed by passion.
To be one's own master
to be at liberty to act as one chooses without dictation from anybody.
Master joint
a quarryman's term for the more prominent and extended joints traversing a rock mass.
Master key
a key adapted to open several locks differing somewhat from each other; figuratively, a rule or principle of general application in solving difficulties.
Master lode
the principal vein of ore.
Master mariner
an experienced and skilled seaman who is certified to be competent to command a merchant vessel.
Master sinew
a large sinew that surrounds the hough of a horse, and divides it from the bone by a hollow place, where the windgalls are usually seated.
Master singer
See Mastersinger.
Master stroke
a capital performance; a masterly achievement; a consummate action; as, a master stroke of policy.
Master tap
a tap for forming the thread in a screw cutting die.
Master touch
The touch or skill of a master
Master work
the most important work accomplished by a skilled person, as in architecture, literature, etc.; also, a work which shows the skill of a master; a masterpiece.
Master workman
a man specially skilled in any art, handicraft, or trade, or who is an overseer, foreman, or employer.

Master

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Mastered; p. pr. vb. n. Mastering

  1. To become the master of; to subject to one's will, control, or authority; to conquer; to overpower; to subdue.
    Obstinacy and willful neglects must be mastered, even though it cost blows.
  2. To gain the command of, so as to understand or apply; to become an adept in; as, to master a science.
  3. To own; to posses. [Obs.]
    The wealth That the world masters.

Master

v. i.
  1. To be skillful; to excel. [Obs.]