Dictionary of Old Occupations

Glossary of jobs beginning A - Ae

Abbess: female leader of a religious community based at an Nunnery or Convent.

Abbott: male leader of a religious community based at an Abbey or Monastery.

Able Seaman: an experienced seaman with more than two years at sea. More skilled than an ordinary seaman.

Abram: beggar from medieval times who faked insanity.

Academician: an educator, or a member of an academy.

Acater: supplier of provisions.

Accipitary: falconer, who trained birds of prey for the ancient sport of hunting. Comes from the word accipiter, which is a genus of birds of prey.

Accomptant: accountant.

Accoucheur: assisted women in childbirth (male midwife).

Accoutrement Maker: maker or supplier of Military Clothing plus Accessories.

Acolyte: layperson who performs minor duties assisting the clergy during a religious services, for example, by carrying crosses or candles.

Acreman: ploughman.

Actuary: business account keeper or accountant.

Adjutant: officer who acts as an administrative assistant to a more senior officer.

Adjutant General: a general’s chief administrative officer.

Administrator: person appointed by the court to settled the estate of a deceased person.

Advertisement conveyancer: carried advertisements attached to a Sandwich Board.

Advocate: a Professional representative or pleader in court, or a Scottish Barrister.

Advowee: normally a Nobleman who had the entitlement to present a clergyman to an endowed church office or benefice.

Advowson: another name for an advowee

Aeronaut: trapeze artist or balloonist in a circus or Music Hall.

This dictionary is my own work, and copyright Jane Hewitt. I sometimes find unauthorised (i.e. stolen) copies of my website content appearing on other people's websites. If you should read a group of identical glossary definitions elsewhere on the web, consider whether such sites are reputable or not.