† ˈprovant-ˌmaster Obs.
[f. provant n. + master n.1: cf. Du. provand-meester (Kilian; mod. proviand-), G. proviant-meister.]
The officer in charge of the commissariat; the commissary; also ? a supplier of or dealer in provisions.
| 1607 Topsell Four-f. Beasts (1658) 399 When the Scythians understood that Darius with his great Army stood in need of victuals, they sent unto him a Provant-master with these presents or gifts, a Bird, a Mouse, a Frog, and five darts. a 1618 Moryson Itin. iv. ii. v. (1903) 244 Agayne our Prouant masters for apparrelling the soldier, dealt as corruptly as the rest, not sending halfe the proportion of Apparrell due to the soldier. 1620 Markham Farew. Husb. ii. xviii. (1668) 97 According to the opinions of antient Husbandmen and other provant Masters. |