~ 1
■ noun
1》 chiefly historical a man who has people working for him, especially servants or slaves.
↘ dated a male head of a household.
↘the male owner of a dog, cat, etc.
2》 a skilled practitioner of a particular art or activity.
↘a great artist, especially one belonging to the accepted canon.
↘a very strong chess player.
↘( Masters ) [treated as sing. ] (in some sports) a class for competitors over the usual age for the highest level of competition.
3》 a person who has complete control of something: he was ~ of the situation.
4》 a man in charge of an organization or group.
↘ Brit. a male schoolteacher, especially at a public or prep school.
↘the head of a college or school.
↘the presiding officer of a livery company or Masonic lodge.
↘the captain of a merchant ship.
↘(in England and Wales) an official of the Supreme Court.
5》 [usu. in titles ] a person who holds a second or further degree: a ~'s degree.
6》 a title prefixed to the name of a boy.
7》 a machine or device directly controlling another. Compare with slave .
8》 an original film, recording, or document from which copies can be made.
■ adjective
1》 having or showing very great skill or proficiency.
↘denoting a person skilled in a particular trade and able to teach others: a ~ builder.
2》 main; principal: the ~ bedroom.
■ verb
1》 acquire complete knowledge or skill in.
2》 gain control of; overcome.
3》 make a ~ copy of (a film or record).
Derivatives
~less adjective
~ship noun
Origin
OE mæg(i)ster , from L. magister .
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~ 2
■ noun a ship or boat with a specified number of masts: a three-~.