Dictionary / Glossary

This is a list of terms and symbols that you may see when researching that were common at the time, but no-so-common now. Please let me know if you additions or clarifications for these definitions!

Old-Style Handwriting

Backwards lower-case 'f' - This is an 's'. You may see an 's' with a backwards lower-case 'f' together and this is a double 's'.
Word starting with two lower-case 'ff' - This is a Capital 'F'

Occupations

Baxter - Baker.
Bleacher - Works in textile or paper mill (bleaching).
Brazier - Works with brass.
Brewster - Beer manufacturer.
Candler - Makes and/or sells candles.
Carter - Person who carries things in a Cart; Worked with cart on farm or in town.
Cartwright - Makes/Repairs horse-drawn carts.
Chandler - Dealer or trader.
Clerk - Clergyman; Cleric.
Combmaker - Makes combs for textiles; Makes combs for hair.
Cordwainer - Shoemaker.
Crowner - Coroner.
Cutter - Cuts cloth for a tailor.
Draper - Dry goods dealer; Dealer in fabric and sewing materials.
Dresser - Surgeon's assistant.
Flesher - Butcher.
Glazier - Window glassman.
Hacker - Hoe maker.
Hatter - Person who makes hats.
Holster - Tends to horses, often at an Inn.
Huckster - Sells small wares.
Jagger - Fish peddler.
Kempster - Wool comber.
Malster - Brewer.
Mason - Bricklayer.
Millwright - Mechanic.
Nailer - Blacksmith who makes nails.
Porter - Baggage carrier; Door keeper.
Puddler - Works in a puddling or ball furnace where cast iron is turned into wrought iron
Quarrier - Works in stone quarry.
Roper - Maker of rope and/or nets.
Saddler - Makes/repairs/sells saddles and other horse accessories.
Sawyer - Carpenter.
Squire - Farm owner; Justice of Peace.
Tanner - One who cures animal hide into leather.
Wainwright - Wagon maker.
Wheelwright - One who repairs wheels (carriage).
Yeoman - Farmer who owns his land.

Other Terms

Esq. or Esqr. - Esquire. Written after the name of those considered entitled to the designation (lawyer and other professionals); a mark of respect.
Relict - Widow.
Spinster - Unmarried woman.