| 释义 |
past-master, past master|ˈpɑːstˌmɑːstə(r), ˈpæ-|
1. One who has filled the office of ‘master’ in a guild, civic company, freemasons' lodge, club, etc.
1762Key to Free-Masonry (1785) 7 (Plan) Past-Master, with the Sun and Compasses, and a String of Cords. 1786Laws Soc. Royal Arch Masons 15 That the three Principals, and all Past-masters are stiled, most excellent. 1858Simmonds Dict. Trade, Past-master, one who has been master of a civic company, or has filled the chair of freemason's lodge. Past-master's Jewel, a freemason's honorary distinction or decoration, worn..by one who has filled the master's chair. 1874Fraser's Mag. 245 Past-master of the Alpine Club.
2. One who is thoroughly proficient or has ripe experience in any subject or sphere of action; a thorough ‘master’ (of a subject). Const. in, of.
App. this use has arisen partly in allusion to the efficiency which results from having passed through such an office as that of master of a freemasons' lodge, etc.; sometimes it alludes to the efficiency resulting from having ‘passed’ the necessary training or examination to qualify as ‘master’ in any art, science, or occupation; see also passed-master.
1868[implied in past-mistress]. 1877Besant & Rice Son of Vulc. i. xiv. 149 He was Past-Master, Right Worshipful Grand, Frère Venérable, in every kind of vice. 1882H. C. Merivale Faucit of B. I. 42 He was a past master in the art. 1890Spectator 13 Sept. 334 A past-master of electioneering tactics. 1892E. Reeves Homeward Bound 46 They are past masters in extras at some of the largest hotels. 1894Ld. Wolseley Life Marlborough II. lvi. 117 Marlborough was a ‘Past-Master’ in fluency of speech. |