BACHELORS, in the livery companies of London, are those not yet admitted to the livery. These companies generally consist of a master, two wardens, the livery, and the bachelors, who are yet but in expectation of dignity in the company, and have their function only in attendance on the master and wardens. They are also called yeomen.
BACHELOR is also a name given in the six companies of merchants at Paris to the elders, and such as, having served the offices, have a right to be called by the masters and wardens to be present with them, and assist them in some of the functions, particularly in what relates to the chef-d'œuvres or masterpieces of such as are candidates for being admitted masters.