(ˌ)sərˈvāər; səˈvāə(r, sə̄ˈ-, səiˈ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English surveyour, from Middle French surveiour, from surveer to look over, survey + -our -or — more at survey
1. : one acting as an overseer or superintendent: as
a. : a government official having the functions of superintendence, administration, or inspection over a usually specified area of responsibility (as a department or office)
surveyor of highways
b. : one having oversight of the lands and boundaries of an estate
2. Britain : architect ; especially : one in charge of construction — see quantity surveyor
3. : one that surveys land and other surfaces : one that practices the art of surveying
4. : one that takes a view and especially a mental view of something : one that examines, contemplates, or beholds
some recent surveyors of the present scene — H.W.Baehr
5.
a. : one that views and examines with the purpose of ascertaining the condition, quantity, or quality of something
the surveyor inspected the damaged ship
b.
(1) : a customs officer who ascertains the contents of casks and the quantity of dutiable liquors : gauger
(2) : a customs officer formerly carrying out measures for ascertaining the quantity, condition, and value of merchandise brought into a port
6.
a. : one that inspects and tallies lumber in cargo lots
b. : one that marks and tallies lumber as it comes from the saw
7. : one that makes a survey