DCHP-1 Online
proprietor Fur Trade, Hist. 
n. a stock-holding partner in the Montreal-based fur companies, especially the North West Company who represented the company the year round at the trading posts in the fur country.
See also: North West Company wintering partner (def. 1)
- 1800 (1820) Every summer, the greater part of the Proprietors and Clerks, who have spent the winter in the Interiour, came here [Grand Portage] with the furs which they have been able to collect.
- 1821 (1938) [We] accompanied one Cameron a N.W. Proprietor to their establishment at Pembina. . . .
- 1918 The remaining shares were held by the proprietors, who were obliged to winter and manage the business of the concern with the Indians, the respective clerks and others. These proprietors were not supposed to be under any obligation to furnish capital, or even credit.
- 1800 (1820) Every summer, the greater part of the Proprietors and Clerks, who have spent the winter in the Interiour, came here [Grand Portage] with the furs which they have been able to collect.