Dictionary of Old Occupations

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Definitions of jobs Vabster - Vulcan

Vabster: another name for a Weaver.

Vaginarius: a Middle Age name for a craftsman who made sheaths and scabbards for blade weapons.

Valet: a male servant who acted as a personal assistant to their employer.

Valuator: appraised items to decide their current market value.

Vanman: drove a delivery vehicle to transport goods such as foodstuffs.

Varler: an alternative name for a Valet.

Vassal: a free man who was allowed to work his land in exchange for military service to his Lord.

Vatman: brewed beer or fermented wine, or someone who worked in the paper making industry.

Venator: a Roman gladiator! A great many online lists define this as a Huntsman.

Verderer: an official who policed English forests and Royal Forests set aside for hunting.

Verge Maker: a watchmaker who specialised in making spindles.

Verger: assisted in religious services.

Vermin Trapper: a pest controller.

Verrier: a French term for a glassmaker or Glazier.

Vestment Maker: a type of specialist tailor who made liturgical garments and articles for religious orders.

Vestry Messenger: Clerk, secretary or spokesman for the administrative committee of a parish or church.

Viceman: a craftsman specialised in working metal in a vice.

Victualler: a civilian merchant who sold provisions to the military. A Licensed victualler is a pub landlord.

Viewer: worked in the mining industry as a manager of a mine on behalf of the owner.

Villein: an ordinary serf in the Middle Ages.

Copyright: Jane Hewitt. This dictionary is authorised for use on www.familyresearcher.co.uk only.

Vintager: harvested grapes in order to make wine.

Vinter: an alternate spelling of vintner, meaning a wine maker.

Vintner: originally meant a person who makes wine. In contemporary use it means a wine seller.

Violin string maker: made the strings for violins out of catgut - a cord made from animal intestines, usually from a pig, donkey or similar.

Virginal Player: a musician who played a virginal - a keyboard instrument from late Mediaeval and Renaissance periods.

Vocalist: a musical singer.

Vulcan: a term for a Blacksmith, possibly derived from the name of the Roman god.

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.

Dictionary of Old Occupations by Jane Hewitt

Interested in history? Researching your family tree and wondering what those old occupations you found on census records actually mean? Maybe you are a creative writer looking for details to give your work authenticity? The Dictionary of Old Occupations explains the meaning of job titles, trades, professions and terms dating back through the centuries.

A handy reference ebook for researchers, creative writers and history buffs. Jane Hewitt is an experienced, professional genealogist. Aided by her husband Paul she compiled the Dictionary of Old Occupations over several years. This A-Z is an informative and fascinating read, giving insight into the day to day experiences of real people from all walks of life over many centuries.