An officer in each of the English courts of common law, appointed by the chief judge of the court, and holding his office during good behavior , whose duties were to superintend the entry of causes, to attend the sittings of nisi prius, and there receive and enter verdicts, and to draw up the posteas and any orders of nisi prius. The associates are now officers of the Supreme Court of Judicature , and are styled “Masters of the Supreme Court ” Wharton. A person associated with the judges and clerk of assise in the commission of general jail delivery . Mozley & Whitley. The term is frequently used of the judges of appellate courts, other than the presiding judge or chief justice .
Black’s Law Online Dictionary
