| 释义 |
† ˈcape-ˌmerchant Obs.
Also Cap-.
[app. an adaptation of some foreign title in cap or capo, meaning ‘head merchant’ or ‘head of the traders’.]
An old name for the supercargo in early voyages; also the head merchant in a factory. (Smyth.)
1613Purchas Pilgr., Descr. India (1864) 156 The Cape-Merchant Floris performed a worthy exploit. 1627Capt. Smith Seaman's Gram. viii. 34 The Cape-merchant or Purser hath the charge of all the Carragasoune or merchandize. 1697W. Dampier Voy. (1729) I. 272 Cape-Merchant, or Super-Cargo of Capt. Swan's Ship. 1708Kersey, Cap-Merchant. 1721–1800in Bailey.
b. fig.
1581J. Bell Haddon's Answ. Osor. 138 b, They..did admitte Grace to be cape marchaunt (as it were) with Free⁓will. 1639Fuller Holy War 19 The French..were the cape-merchants in this adventure [Crusades]. 1649Selden Laws Eng. ii. vii. (1739) 39 The King shewed himself the Cape-Merchant of the world. |