| 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. |
| past master n.
|
past master
A person who is thoroughly experienced or exceptionally skilled in some activity or craft. For example, We're lucky to get Ella, because she's a past master at fundraising. This expression probably alludes to the original literal meaning, that is, one who formerly held the post of master in a lodge or other organization. Although past mistress was used for an exceptionally skilled woman in the mid-1800s, it is heard less often today, master serving for both sexes. [Mid-1800s]