n. 1 an apparatus for recording, esp. a tape recorder. 2 a a keeper of records. b a person who makes an official record. 3 Brit. a a barrister or solicitor of at least ten years' standing, appointed to serve as a part-time judge. b hist. a judge in certain courts. 4 Mus. a woodwind instrument like a flute but blown through the end and having a more hollow tone. recordership n. (in sense 3).
[ ME f. AF recordour, OF recordeur & f. RECORD (in obs. sense 'practise a tune') ]