Modern English usage. 2014.
Past master — Master Mas ter (m[.a]s t[ e]r), n. [OE. maistre, maister, OF. maistre, mestre, F. ma[^i]tre, fr. L. magister, orig. a double comparative from the root of magnus great, akin to Gr. me gas. Cf. {Maestro}, {Magister}, {Magistrate}, {Magnitude},… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
past master — past masters N COUNT: usu N at/in/of n If you are a past master at something, you are very skilful at it because you have had a lot of experience doing it. He was a past master at manipulating the media for his own ends... She is an adept rock… … English dictionary
Past master — Past Past, a. [From {Pass}, v.] Of or pertaining to a former time or state; neither present nor future; gone by; elapsed; ended; spent; as, past troubles; past offences. Past ages. Milton. [1913 Webster] {Past master}. See under {Master}. [1913… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
past master — n someone who is very skilled at doing something and has done it many times before = ↑expert past master at (doing) sth ▪ She s a past master at exploiting other people … Dictionary of contemporary English
past master — noun count someone who has a great deal of skill and experience in a particular activity: She is a past master at persuading people to help her … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
past master — n. 1. a person who formerly held the position of master, as in a lodge or club 2. [for passed master] a person who has had long experience in some occupation, art, etc.; expert … English World dictionary
past master — ► NOUN ▪ a person who is experienced or expert in an activity … English terms dictionary
past master — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms past master : singular past master plural past masters someone who has a great deal of skill and experience in a particular activity She is a past master at persuading people to help her … English dictionary
Past master — A Past Master is one who, having surpassed the position of a Master, can be regarded as highly skilled and experienced. The term is sometimes applied literally to persons who have led any organization or a subsidiary of that organization. It is… … Wikipedia
past master — 1. a person who is thoroughly experienced or exceptionally skilled in a profession, art, etc.: a past master at chess. 2. a person who has held the office of master in a guild, lodge, etc. [1755 65] * * * … Universalium
