Dictionary of Old Occupations

Click here to return to the index page of the Dictionary of Old Occupations

Definitions of jobs Amen Man - Aquavita Seller

Amen Man: nickname for a person working for a parish.

Anchor Smith: a Smith who made anchors, the term also refers to chain makers.

Anchores: female who lives the scholarly life a hermit or religious recluse.

Anchorite: male who lives the scholarly life a hermit or religious recluse. The term may also refer to a member of The Anchorites, a naval fellowship.

Angle Iron Smith: angle iron maker producing a section of steel bent to form a right angle.

Anilepman: tenant of a smallholding belonging to a manor.

Ankle Beater: child who assisted in driving cattle to and from market.

Annatto Maker: produced red dye which was sold to painters or to print houses.

Annuitant: person receiving payment from an annuity, similar to today’s pensioner.

Antigropelos Maker: maker of waterproof gaiters, leggings or boots.

Anvil Smith: maker of anvils and tools for use in a smithy or forge.

Apiarian: beekeeper. Modern beekeepers are called apiarists.

Apothecary: sold patented medicines as well as preparing their own remedies.

Apparitor: an officer who attended an ecclesiastical court, or a Beadle.

Apprentice: apprentices were usually bound to a journeyman / master who was already skilled in their chosen trade, this could happened from as young as 13 years of age. They then trained with their master until the age of 21 when they became Journeyman themselves and could take on their own apprentices.

Appraiser: appraised (valued) goods, or who assessed the authenticity of items such as works of art.

Aproneer: a slang word used in old London, meaning a shopkeeper. May have been related to the shopkeeper wearing an apron.

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

Apronman: a mechanic, the term may have been related to the mechanic wearing a protective apron whilst working.

Aquarius: carried clean water in ewers (vase shaped pitchers).

Aquavita Seller: sold alcoholic drinks (nothing to do with the league of gentlemen!).

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.

The Apothecaries' Garden by Sue Minter

Founded in 1673 by the society of Apothecaries, the Chelsea Physic Garden led the world for over 300 years in the research and classification of new plants. Sue Minter examines its history and many notable achievements.

By Sue Minter - Head of Living Collections at the Eden Project in Cornwall.

Buy Now


Finding our free resources helpful? You can support us by recommending our research services to your friends, or make a donation. Thank you.