ˈmerchant-adˈventurer Obs. exc. Hist.
(See also merchant-venturer.)
A merchant engaged in the organization and dispatch of trading expeditions over sea, and the establishment of factories and trading stations in foreign countries. Hence, a member of an association of such merchants incorporated by royal charter or other lawful authority.
| 1496–7 Act 12 Hen. VII, c. 6 The Marchauntes Adventurers inhabite and dwelling in divers parties of this Realme. 1540 Elyot Image Gov. (1556) 59 b, He wolde not suffre any citesen to bee a Merchaunt adventurer. 1575 Laneham Let. (1871) 62 Mercer, Merchantauenturer, and Clark of the Councel-chamber door. 1608 in Gross Gild Merch. I. 148 The Lawes, Customes (&c.) of the Fellowshippe of Merchantes Adventurers. 1622 Bacon Hen. VII 163 There passed a Law, at the Suit of the Merchant-Aduenturers of England, against the Merchant-Aduenturers of London, for Monopolizing and exacting vpon the Trade. 1766 Entick London IV. 130 Mr. Robert Rogers, leather-seller and merchant-adventurer. 1890 Spectator 19 Apr., The merchant-adventurers who, in Africa now, as formerly in India, represent the European peoples. |
| fig. 1711 Shaftesbury Charac. (1737) I. 304 Certain merchant-adventurers in the letter-trade, who in correspondence with their factor-bookseller, are enter'd into a notable commerce with the world. |