ˈmerchant-ˈtailor
Also with archaic spelling in the names of the ‘Company of Merchant Taylors’ and the ‘Merchant Taylors' School’.
[f. merchant n. + tailor.]
a. A tailor who supplies the materials of which his goods are made. Hence, a member of the company of Merchant-Taylors.
| 1504 Wriothesley Chron (Camden) I. 5 This yeare the Taylors sued to the Kinge to be called Marchant taylors. 1533 Cromwell in Merriman Life & Lett. I. 356 Nicholas Glossop, an olde Auncient of youre Felisship of merchaunt Taillours. 1556 Chron. Gr. Friars (Camden) 87 John Harres a merchant-taylor in Watlynge stret. 1653 Rec. Early Hist. Boston (1886) X. 1, I Robert Keayne, Cittizen and Merchant Taylor of London by freedome,..now dwelling at Boston. 1687 [see linen-armourer]. 1707 E. Chamberlayne Pres. St. Eng. iii. xi. 386 That eminent School [Merchant-Taylors'] near Cannon-street, built by Sir Tho. White, Alderman, and Merchant-Taylor of London. 1818 H. B. Fearon Sk. Amer. 33 Taylors are numerous: they are denominated, (in conformity with the accustomed vanity of the country), ‘Merchant Taylors’. 1839 Penny Cycl. XIV. 118/2 The first twelve are called the Twelve Great Companies... 7. Merchant Tailors. 1889 Kansas City (Missouri) Times & Star 13 Nov., Call on Ed. Howe, the artistic merchant tailor. 1922 Joyce Ulysses 717 The establishment of George Mesias, merchant tailor and outfitter. 1975 Times 5 July 14/7 The following were elected officers of the Merchant Taylors' Company for the year beginning July 14. |
b. One educated at Merchant-Taylors' School.
| 1877 N. & Q. 3rd Ser. VII. 347 Sir Henry Ellis (himself a Merchant Taylor). Ibid., Old Merchant Taylors..who take an interest in their school. |