ˈmaster-ˌbuilder
[master n.1 II.]
1. One who is skilled in the art of building, an architect. Chiefly in rhetorical use or fig. context.
| 1557 N. T. (Genev.) 1 Cor. iii. 10 As a skilful master builder I haue layd the foundation: and another buyldeth theron. 1594 T. B. La Primaud. Fr. Acad. ii. 18 If we consider the ordinary generation of men, the matter is humour: naturall heate is as it were the master buylder. 1611 Speed Theat. Gt. Brit. Pref., So many master-builders having in this subject gone before me. 1642 Vicars God in Mount (1644) 39 Our blessed Master-builders in Parliament. 1855 Miss Cobbe Intuit. Mor. 35 The depth of the foundation shows how high the Master-builder will carry his temple. 1865 J. H. Ingraham Pillar of Fire (1872) 47 The Egyptians are not only master-builders in architecture, but [etc.]. |
2. One who employs workmen in building.
| 1714 Swift Pres. St. Aff. ¶10 When a Building is to be erected, the Model may be the contrivance only of one head; and it is sufficient that the Under-workmen be ordered to cut stones into certain shapes, [etc.]: But the several Master-builders must have some general Knowledge of the Design, without which they can give no orders at all. 1738 Birch Life Milton in M.'s Wks. (1738) I. 61 Anne [Milton] married a Master-Builder. |
3. Naut. A petty officer formerly employed on the construction of ships.
| 1799 Nelson 11 Oct. in Nicolas Disp. (1845) IV. 47 My directions to the Master-builder relative to the Ships. |