One who undertakes to carry out work or business for another; a contractor; †a collector or farmer of taxes. Now rare.

spec. One who contracts or undertakes to supply certain articles, or to perform any work or service (esp. for government or other public body), at…

a person who contracts with the government for the conveyance of the mail.

slang. A small contractor, sweater.

a person or company providing a service or goods on a contractual basis, and not regarded as the legal responsibility of those with whom the…