Dictionary of Old Occupations

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Definitions of jobs Watch Finisher - Weigher

Watch Finisher: put together the various parts of the watch.

Watch Fusee Cutter: cut gearing on the fusee wheel which was used in spring-powered clocks and watches to solve the problem of slowing down as the mainspring unwound.

Watch Guilder: gilded the individual parts of the movement to prevent corrosion.

Watch Jeweller: inserted the jewels into the watch mechanism to help reduce friction.

Watch Motion Worker: assembled the mechanism under the dial.

Watch Movement Maker: assembled the various parts of the movement.

Watch Pendant Maker: produced the knob and loop at the top of the Watch onto which the chain was attached.

Watch Pinion Maker: made Pinion gears for use in watch escapements.

My thanks to the The Coventry Watch Museum Project group for their assistance with the preceding watchmaking job definitions.

Watcher: a security guard who protected goods in a warehouse.

Watchman: patrolled the town at night to protect property and the public.

Water Bailiff: a Customs official who patrolled rivers to enforce the law against unlicensed fishing (poaching) and other offences.

Water Gilder: caught water fowl for food.

Water Leader: a merchant who dealt in fresh water.

Water Leder: alternative spelling of Water Leader.

Water Loder: another name for a Water Leader.

Water Meadow Drowner: managed the irrigation of water meadows. These are areas of grassland which would not normally flood, but are kept damp through controlled irrigation channels which featured sluice gates (aka hatches) and stops (small dams made of wood or earth). This was done for the purpose of extending the growing season for grass from earlier in the year and to keep it growing during dry summers. The grass could be used for grazing livestock or for hay. The occupation dates back to the 16th century, and fell out of use during the 20th century.

Waterguard: a customs officer who protected against smuggling.

Waterman: a river boatman who was available for hire, or a man who managed the irrigation of English grassland to create water meadows. See Water Meadow Drowner.

Wattle Hurdle Maker: made fence panels out of wattle.

Waulker: alternate spelling of Walker, a Fuller who cleaned cloth.

Waulkmiller: another variation of a Walker who cleaned cloth.

Waver: a Weaver.

Way Maker: built roads.

Way Man: surveyed roads.

Wayland: old name for a Blacksmith or weaponsmith.

Weather Spy: astrologer, possibly used as a derogatory name.

Weaver: a textile worker who produced cloth on a loom.

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

Webber Operator: a female loom operator (Weaver).

Webster: an alternate term for a Webber Operator.

Weigh Clerk: worked at a dock transferring goods from ship to land.

Weigher: an alternate name for a Weigh Clerk at a dock.

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.

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