DCHP-1

master Fur Trade, Hist.

n. a senior officer in a fur company, such as a wintering partner or factor, as opposed to a servant.
See also: factor master pedlar servant
- 1769 (1954) Edward Lutit & the other men tell me they see one of the Pedlers w^th some French & Indians w^th him, he is one [of] the Masters & his Name is Jam^s Finley. . . .
- 1775 (1951) It seems that Twenty three Canoes of Pedlers intent to Winter up the River Saskachiwan Under several Masters, 18 of Which are gone past.
- 1819 (1823) He introduced me at once to Messrs. Charles, Swaine, and Snodie, masters of districts, who, from long residence in the country, were perfectly acquainted with the different modes of travelling, and the obstructions which might be anticipated.
- 1898 It was cold work for the "master," measuring dry goods and counting bullets in the storeroom without any fire.
- 1954 Jacobs wrote on July 18, 1773, to the master at Churchill. . . .