A
abbess. Female version of an abbot. Though the term is often used to describe a female head of a priory, the more correct term in that situation would be prioress.
abbey lubber. Someone who relied on an abbey for his living (without working), e.g. a lazy monk or a pensioner.
abbot. Head of a monastery with powers similar to lord of the manor. Except in smaller abbeys it was often largely an executive rather than just a religious position. The abbot would have his own separate residence together with his own cook and other staff. He was elected by the monks with the approval of the archbishop and the King.
abbot commendatory. A non serving monk who acted as a guardian and executive of the abbey.
abbot regular. An abbot who was a serving monk.
abbot’s cook. Private servant cook of an abbey’s abbot. His wages were paid for privately by the abbot.
abbot’s proctor. An abbot’s representative at Parliament and religious gatherings.
abbrocarius, abbrocator. General broker.
abecedarian. Someone who taught (or was learning) the alphabet.
Abigailabra. Maidservant.
ablaster. Crossbow operator (soldier).
able seaman. Seaman more highly skilled than an ordinary seaman or a landsman.
academic(ian). Member of a learned academy.
academy proprietor. Owner of a private school (often with the principal as the only teacher).
acater. Food buyer and supplier (often to ships).
accipitrary. Falcon trainer.
accompant, accomptant. Accountant.
accouchereuse. Midwife.
accoucheur. Male midwife or women’s doctor.
accoutrea(ment)er. Supplier to the military.
acicularius. Comb maker. Also a maker of decorative pins for holding clothing together.
ackerman. Cowkeeper.
acreman. Cowman/ploughman.
acrographer. Engraver on metal (for printing purposes).
actuary. Accountant specialising in documentation especially concerning insurance.
acupictor. Embroiderer.
Adamite. Member of a religious sect who went about naked.
addle-plot. A name given to someone who farmed his land so badly that he ruined it.
adjutant. Originally someone who passed on orders from his leader to other men.
administratrix. Any woman in charge.
admirilis. Admiral.
adventurer. A member of the Merchant Adventurers who dealt in wool. Also a term given to a shareholder in tin mines.
advertisement conveyancer. Man who advertises carrying a ‘sandwich board’ consisting of two large noticeboards (one at the front of him and one at the rear) strung over his shoulder by straps.
advocate. Lawyer.
advocate depute. Law officer in Scotland.
advowee. A person with rights to appoint a clergyman (advowson) to a parish.
aedificator. Builder or architect.
aegyptianus. Gypsy (literally ‘Egyptian’).
aerobat. Pilot of a plane performing stunts at airshows and carnivals.
aeromancer. Ancient name for a weather forecaster.
aeronaut. Balloonist, also a trapeze artist.
affeerer. Manorial officer (usually one of two) who set fixed court penalties.
African brocade weaver. Specialist weaver of floral/geometric patterns.
after chromer. A person who fixed colour in dyed cloth.
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