paymaster

English

Etymology

From pay +‎ master.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈpeɪmɑːstə/

Noun

paymaster (plural paymasters)

1. An official in charge of payments to employees, troops, etc.
2. A person or body which demands loyalty or services in return for payment (especially as paid in advance).
   • 2022 November 16, Mel Holley, “Network News: Rail strikes halted to allow for "intensive negotiations"”, in RAIL, number 970, page 9:

     "This would have been completely avoidable if the RDG and their paymasters at the DfT, and Transport Secretary Mark Harper, had invited us to talks sooner."

Derived terms

• Paymaster-General