barmaster
(ˈbɑːˌmɑːstə(r))
Also 7 barge-, 7–8 bergh-, 8 bargh-.
[Formerly barghmaster, ad. Ger. bergmeister, f. berg- mining.]
A local judge amongst miners: see quot.
| 1662 Fuller Worthies I. 229 The Barge-Master keeps his two great Courts twice a year in Barge-Moot Hall..to decide Controversies, and punish offences betwixt Miners. 1721 Bailey, Bargh-master, the Surveyor of a Mine. 1747 Hooson Miner's Dict. s.v. Bill, By the Assistance of the Barmaster. 1875 Ure Dict. Arts I. 292 Bar-master, in Derbyshire, the authority to whom all disputes in lead-mining are referred. He has charge of the standard ‘dish’ or measure used in measuring the ore. |