apprentice (a prent is)

[Early mod. E. also apprentise, pl.), orig. nom. of a prent is, app rent if, a learner of a trade, his master or masters become bound to instruct him. Hence-2. A learner in any department; one only slightly versed in a subject; a novice.-3. In old English law, a barrister of le than sixteen years' standing. After this period he might be called to the rank of serjeant. Parish, town, etc., apprentice, a person bound out by the proper authorities of a parish, town, etc., to prevent his becoming a public charge. apprentice (a-pren'tis), v. t.; pret. and pp. ap prenticed, ppr. apprenticing. [