past-master, past master
(ˈpɑːstˌmɑːstə(r), ˈpæ-)
1. One who has filled the office of ‘master’ in a guild, civic company, freemasons' lodge, club, etc.
| 1762 Key to Free-Masonry (1785) 7 (Plan) Past-Master, with the Sun and Compasses, and a String of Cords. 1786 Laws Soc. Royal Arch Masons 15 That the three Principals, and all Past-masters are stiled, most excellent. 1858 Simmonds Dict. Trade, Past-master, one who has been master of a civic company, or has filled the chair of freemason's lodge. Past-master's Jewel, a freemason's honorary distinction or decoration, worn..by one who has filled the master's chair. 1874 Fraser's Mag. 245 Past-master of the Alpine Club. |
2. One who is thoroughly proficient or has ripe experience in any subject or sphere of action; a thorough ‘master’ (of a subject). Const. in, of.
App. this use has arisen partly in allusion to the efficiency which results from having passed through such an office as that of master of a freemasons' lodge, etc.; sometimes it alludes to the efficiency resulting from having ‘passed’ the necessary training or examination to qualify as ‘master’ in any art, science, or occupation; see also passed-master.
| 1868 [implied in past-mistress]. 1877 Besant & Rice Son of Vulc. i. xiv. 149 He was Past-Master, Right Worshipful Grand, Frère Venérable, in every kind of vice. 1882 H. C. Merivale Faucit of B. I. 42 He was a past master in the art. 1890 Spectator 13 Sept. 334 A past-master of electioneering tactics. 1892 E. Reeves Homeward Bound 46 They are past masters in extras at some of the largest hotels. 1894 Ld. Wolseley Life Marlborough II. lvi. 117 Marlborough was a ‘Past-Master’ in fluency of speech. |