Dictionary

shapester en · NOUN

Etymology

From Middle English schapestere (“one who cuts; barber; tailor”), equivalent to shape + -ster.

Meanings

1. (archaic, historical) A seamstress; dressmaker; tailor
   • It was the era of homespun industries; the days of websters, shapesters, litsters, brewsters, baxters and spinsters, the weaving, cutting, dyeing, brewing, baking and spinning falling naturally into woman's hands and necessitating terms showing that there were feminine duties. 1905, Daughters of the American Revolution Magazine:
   • In Donegal the fabrics are made up in the cottages, where also the garments are shaped with such skill and fancy as may by chance pertain to the untaught shapester. 1879, House Documents, Otherwise Publ. as Executive Documents: 13th Congress, 2d Session-49th Congress, 1st Session, Volume 1
2. One who changes shape; shapeshifter

Forms