craftmastern.
/ˈkrɑːftˌmɑːstə/, /ˈkraftˌmastə/, U.S. /ˈkræf(t)ˌmæstər/ Now rare.
A person who is expert and experienced in a craft or other skilled occupation; a master craftsman. Frequently in extended and figurative contexts. In early use frequently in †to be one's craftmaster: to be expert or highly proficient at a specified activity (obsolete). Cf. craftsmaster n.Sometimes with allusion to cunning or craftiness, punning on craft n. 7; cf. craftsmaster n. 2.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > worker > workers according to type of work > manual or industrial worker > [noun] > manual worker > skilled worker or craftsman > expert
masterc1300
workmanc1300
master workmanc1475
master-worker1483
craftsmaster1548
craftmaster1557
arts-master1607
trades master1611
master hand1711
maistry1798
master craftsman1865
1557 W. Rastell tr. T. More in Wks. Sir T. More 52/1 Suttell folkes, and such as were their crafte maisters in the handling of such wicked deuises.
1571 A. Golding tr. J. Calvin Psalmes of Dauid with Comm. To Rdr. sig. *.viij The craftmaisters of the Court sought..to bury the undeserved bludshed of the giltles, in the untrue slaunder of the holy Martirs.
1591 E. Aggas tr. Breefe Descr. Battailes, Victories & Triumphes 3 The Italians are their craft maisters in matter of poison.
1697 J. Evelyn Numismata vi. 214 Medals are certainly more easily Counterfeited by casting off in the Flask, or in the Mould, if the Work-man be his Craft-Master, and have Judgment to Trim and Repair them well.
1857 Maitland (New S. Wales) Mercury 16 July (advt.) To butchers, craft-masters, and others... Mr. J. Wisdom has received instructions from Mr. Joseph Sivyer, Butcher, to dispose of by public auction..the whole of his trade property.
1984 Mythlore 11 53/2 Tolkien was a Craftmaster, not content with simply telling a good tale but intent on polishing it until it gleamed.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2020; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1557