MASTER

(Lot. magister.) A title frequent among the Romans: as magister equitum (master of the horse, the lieutenant or second in command to a dictator), magister peditum, magister census, . Magister Militia; (master of the army, or of military affairs) was a title under the later Roman emperors. Grand master, in modern times is the common title of the chief of the orders of knighthood, and of some fraternities, as tile Freemasons. The eldest sons of some noble landed proprietors are designated as masters in Scotland; as the master of Gray, master of Douglas, . Master. In the Universities, a degree in arts; the most ancient of all the academical titles. In the university of Paris, where this as well as the other learned distinctions appear to have originated, it was originally a mere title, belonging to those who taught in the schools (magistri, doctores). Thus every master was, of nece ity, a lecturer. In proce of time (and probably about the middle of the 13th century) the title became a degree, attainable by all after a certain amount of residence and proficiency; while the duty of lecturing was confined only to a certain number of masters., termed regents. About the same period the separation of the degrees of master and doctor took place. In the English universities, the degree of master of arts follows that of bachelor. A master becomes a regent after a short ul, According to the old academical constitution, is supposed to read lectures during the year of his regency. On becoming a regent, he becomes a member of the governing body of the university; having a vole in congregation aud convocation at Oxford, in the senate at Cambridge. In our universities the degree of master is the highest in the faculty of arts; but subordinate to that of bachelor of divinity. Elsewhere the faculty of arts is synonymous with that of philosophy, in which the degree of doctorate is conferred, superior to that of master. Mas per, otherwise called Captain, in Commercial Navigation,the person entrusted with the care and navigation of a ship. His duties are very important. In some countries no one can lie appointed to this office who has not been de c.lared to fill it by a legally constituted board; but in this country the owners are left to their own discretion as to the skill and honesty of tile master; and although he is bound to make good any damage that may happen to the ship and cargo by his negligence or unskilfulne , he cannot be punished as a criminal for mere incompetence. No one is qualified to be master of a British ship unle he be a natural-born British subject, or naturalized by act of parliament; or have become a subject to his majesty by conquest, ce ion, , and have taken the oaths of allegiance; or a foreign seaman who has served three years in time of war on board of his majesty's ships. Master. In the Royal Navy, the officer who has the charge of the navigation of the ship, with other duties: his rank is next to lieutenant. Master Attendant. The officer next in rank to the superintendent of the royal dock-yard. Master at Arms. A petty officer of the navy, who is, in fact, the head of the police of the ship: his a istants are called ship's corporals. Master or the Ceremonies. An officer attached to all European courts, whose duty consists in regulating all matters of etiquette and state ceremony. (See Ceremonies, .) The name is also applied to any individual wno is appointed by general consent to preside over the arrangements of a public ball, with the power of deciding all disputes that may arise therein. Master of the Horse. The third great officer in the British court. When not put in commi ion, this office is always filled by a nobleman. He has the management of all the royal stables and bred horses, with authority over all the equerries and pages, coachmen, footmen, grooms, . In solemn cavalcades he rides next the sovereign. Salary, £1270 I3s. Ad. per annum. The queen dowager's household has also a master of the horse and three equerries. Master of the Household. An officer employed under the treasurer of the household to survey accounts. Master of the Mint. See Mint. Master of the Robes. An officer of the royal house- 726 [s. 740]