MASTER (MAGISTER), in general, is a title of authority, and applied to persons in various characters. It is also used as a compellation of respect.
MASTER of Arts, the first degree taken up in all foreign universities, but the second in those of England; candidates not being admitted to it in that country till they have studied in the university seven years.
MASTER of a Ship of War, an officer appointed by the commissioners of the navy to take charge of the navigating and conducting a ship from port to port, under the direction of the captain. The management and disposition of the sails, the working of the ship into her station in the order of battle, and the direction of her movements in the time of action and in the other circumstances of danger, are also more particularly under his inspection. It is likewise his duty to examine the provisions, and accordingly to admit none into the ship but such as are sound, sweet, and wholesome. He is moreover charged with the stowage, or disposition of these materials in the ship's hold; and to enable him the better to perform these services, he is allowed several assistants, who are properly termed mates and quarter-masters. See these articles.
MASTER of a Merchant-Ship, the commanding officer, who is appointed by the merchants to manage the navigation and every thing relating to her cargo, voyage, sailors, &c.