workmaster

1. (archaic) Master workman; overseer; employer of workmen.Examples: "[…] Sathan the workmaster of all mischeef being greved that his own kingdome draweth to an end […] like a slie Serpent setteth snares and pitfalles innumerable, to intrap men and bring them to destruction by policie […]"; "1703, Richard Neve (pseudonym T. N. Philomath), The City and Countrey Purchaser, and Builder’s Dictionary, London: J. Sprint et al., title page, The Customs, and Methods of Measuring of all Artificers Work, concern’d in Building; together with the City and Countrey Prices, not only of Workmanship, but of Materials also: The which will be extraordinary useful in making of Bargains, or Contracts betwixt the Workmaster and Workman; and likewise in computing the Value (or Charge of Erecting) of any Fabrick, great or small."; "When this is over, many fine mats are distributed which are taken to the workmaster. If he is satisfied he accepts the mats, but if he is angry he rejects them."archaic