Green’s Dictionary of Slang

1. the person who proposes a succession of toasts in a tavern.

1650

Eighth Liberal Science n.p.: He that stands upon his strength, and begins new healths, Mr of the Ceremonies.

2. the penis.

1890–1904

Farmer & Henley Sl. and Its Analogues.

an uproarious drunkard.

1650

Eighth Liberal Science n.p.: He that flings Cushions, Napkins, and Trenchers about the room, Mr. of Mis-rule.

any beggar, irrespective of their ‘speciality’.

1890–1904

Farmer & Henley Sl. and Its Analogues IV 289/2: Master-of-the-black-art, subs. (old), — A beggar.

a gardener.

c.1786		Grose Classical Dict. of the Vulgar Tongue ms. additions n.p.: Master of the Mint, a Gardiner.
1796		Grose Classical Dict. of the Vulgar Tongue (3rd edn).
1811		Lex. Balatronicum.
1823		Egan Grose’s Classical Dict. of the Vulgar Tongue.
1840		Lincs. Chron. 10 Apr. 4/7: Why is the gardener’s the best trade? Because he is master of the mint, and of his own thyme.
1854		Leeds Intelligencer 15 Apr. 12/6: I’m always master of the mint, my thyme’s my own.
1864, 1867, 1870		Hotten Sl. Dict.

a playful drunkard.

1650		Eighth Liberal Science n.p.: He that is first to begin new frolicks, Mr of the Novelties.
1700		‘The Art of Drinking’ in Wit’s Cabinet 137: He that begins new Frolicks, Master of the Novelties.

a baker.

1641		H. Peacham Worth of a Penny in Arber Eng. Gamer VI 272: For a Penny, you may search among the rolls, and withal give the master good satisfaction. I mean, in the baker’s basket [F&H].
c.1762		Derrick in Foster Goldsmith (5th edn) Bk III 167: ‘No, no,’ whispered Derrick, who knew him to be a wealthy baker from the city, ‘only for a master of the rolls’ [F&H].
1785, 1788, 1796		Grose Classical Dict. of the Vulgar Tongue.
1811		Lex. Balatronicum.
1820		Jack Randall’s Diary 51: To Mr. Martin the Baker [...] Thou Master of the Rolls.
1827		Pierce Egan’s Life in London 4 Feb. 845/3: A Miss Mary Anderson, a fair Cyprian, complained against a ‘master of the rolls,’ alias a baker, named Smart, for taking out of pawn her - ‘plain gold ring’.
1834		‘The Mill’ Museum of Mirth 45/1: ‘How do you bet your blunt?’ ‘Vy, I’m six to four on the dead man.’ ‘Why, I’m all for doughey myself.’ ‘Vat, de baker?’ ‘Yes, I’m down upon the master of the rolls.’.
1852		‘Epistle from Joe Muggins’s Dog’ in Era (London) 24 Oct. 4/2: I az herd somethin ov a bit ov a rumpus between ther ‘Artful Dodger,’ [...] and ther ‘Master ov ther Rolls,’ who holds iz kort in Regent street.
1864, 1867, 1870		Hotten Sl. Dict.
1873		Sl. Dict.

one who pawns their clothes to get money for drink.

1700		‘The Art of Drinking’ in Wit’s Cabinet 137: He that pawns his Cloak, Master of the Wardrobe.
c.1786		Grose Classical Dict. of the Vulgar Tongue ms. additions n.p.: Master of the Wardrobe, one who pawns his Clothes to purchase Liquor.
1788, 1796		Grose Classical Dict. of the Vulgar Tongue (2nd, 3rd edn).
1811		Lex. Balatronicum.
1823		Egan Grose’s Classical Dict. of the Vulgar Tongue.