Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 2000 (DOST Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Say-master, n. Also: sey- and -maister. [Say n.² and Maister n. 12 d; cf. e.m.E. assay master (1647).] a. An officer appointed by an authority to assay (coin) or test (metal) for quality. b. A master of craft appointed by the craft to examine the essays of applicants for admission to the craft, also to examine the work of fellow craftsmen for quality. —a. 1646 Edinb. Test. Index II 25.
Andro Balvaird, sey-master to his majesty's cunȝea-house 1663 Acts VII 458/1.
That ther be a saymaster appointed by the magistrats of each burgh for tryeing of the same [metals] —b. 1634 Aberd. Trades 281.
That quhasumever presumes to receave the benifyte of ane frieman sall have twa sey maisteris to awaitt on hym quhill his maisterstick be maid, and to mak ane pair buitts [etc.] 1650 Glasgow Wrights Acts 10.
[He] sall … produce both his discharge from his maister and burgese tickett … , and if they be valeid, then his sey maisteris to be choysine in face of court 1694 Glasgow Hammermen 49.
That ane timber chest be made for … keeping of the insufficient work that shall be found amongst hammermene … in the mercat and ordains the sey masters to search and sey the mercat ilk mercat day