borough-master
(ˈbʌrəˌmɑːstə(r))
Also burough-, burgh-, bourg-: and see burgomaster.
[f. borough + master; in sense 1 imitated from Du. burgemeester.]
† 1. A Dutch or Flemish burgomaster; sometimes used incorrectly, and also extended to similar functionaries in other foreign countries (e.g., quot. 1625 relates to Poland). b. The head of the municipality of certain Irish boroughs. Obs.
| 1494 Fabyan Chron. vii. 436 And some of the borough maisters of the sayde towne [Bruges]. 1590 Greene Neuer too late (1600) 14 The richest Merchant or grauest Burghmaster. 1625 Purchas Pilgrim ii. 1421 The Borrow-masters sell Wine. 1696 Lond. Gaz. No. 3178/4 The Borough Master, Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Bayle in Ireland. |
2. The patron or ‘owner’ of a borough (3 c).
| a 1832 Bentham Mem. Wks. 1843 X. 237 Members..are supposed to speak the sentiments of the borough-master who puts them in. |