Dictionary

submaster en · NOUN

Etymology

From sub- + master.

Meanings

1. (attributive, sometimes) A key that can open several locks, but fewer than a master key.
   • The use of masters and submasters will enable suites of rooms to be controlled by one key. 2020, Jane M. Wiggins, Facilities Manager's Desk Reference, page 517:
   • In an office, a submaster might open all doors in the accounting department; in an industrial facility, it might open all locks in the loading dock area. 2004, Robert Fischer, Introduction to Security, page 175:
   • Do not point specifically at the executives but find out what the cost estimates are for rekeying a submaster space or the entire facility when one of these keys gets lost […] 2008, Timothy Giles, How to Develop and Implement a Security Master Plan, page 60:
2. A copy of a master copy of a recording, generally kept for archival purposes.
   • In Edward's absence, Sonny Boy learned to press the discs at Chariot Records. He mastered a process of producing gold-molded submasters that could be played on the phonographs people were now buying for their homes. 2014, John Milner, Benson's House, page 196:
   • Unlike cue or group information, submasters usually actively exist and don't need to be created. Methods for recording channel information into different submasters may vary between consoles. 2013, Steven Shelley, A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting, page 336:
3. (historical) A secondary or subsidiary schoolmaster.
   • Masters […] Submasters […] Teacher of French […] Teacher of drawing 1914, National Vocational Guidance Association. Meeting, Vocational Guidance: Papers Presented at the Organization..., page 252:

Forms