-və(r) noun
( -s )
: one that observes: as
a. : a keeper of or adherent to something established (as a law, custom, regulation, rite, or vow) : one that conforms to an accepted, usual, or traditional practice
b. : one that pays attention to something ; especially : one engaged in or trained in the methods of close and exact observation
an astronomical observer
c. : one that makes a remark
d. obsolete : a dutiful attendant or sycophantic follower
e. : a representative sent to observe and listen but not to participate officially in a gathering
f.
(1) : one that accompanies the pilot of an airplane in order to make observations during flight
(2) : an officer or other person that ascends in a captive balloon (as to reconnoiter or observe)
(3) : an aeronautical rating for a member of an air crew with a special duty (as navigator, radar operator, bombardier) other than piloting — called also aircraft observer
g. : a subject in introspective analysis who describes his experiences under physical conditions arranged by an experimenter