† ˈseamstry, ˈsempstry Obs.
[f. seamster + -y.]
The occupation or employment of a seamster or seamstress. Also attrib. in seamstry-work.
| α 1598 Florio, Dietro punto, a back-stitch in seamstrie worke. c 1630 Trag. Rich. II (1870) 38 Tis strange to take her from her semsterye. 1688 Holme Armoury iii. 97/2 Seamstry work follows next in order to that of a Taylor. |
| β 1631 T. Powell Tom of All Trades (1876) 173 She may learne what belongs to her improvement, for Sempstrie. 1695 A. de la Pryme Diary Mar. (Surtees) 53 The Quakers..now were fine cloathes, and learns all sorts of sempstry and behavour. 1760–72 H. Brooke Fool of Qual. (1809) I. 127 My wife had lately requested her to look out for some sempstry-work among the neighbours. |