† mystery-mann.1
Obsolete. rare.
1. Perhaps: a collector of trade inventions, novelties, etc.Apparently an isolated use.
ΚΠ
1626 F. Bacon New Atlantis 44 in Sylua Syluarum Wee have Three that Collect the Experiments of all Mechanicall Arts; And also of Liberall Sciences; [etc.]... These we [sc. the people of ‘New Atlantis’] call Mystery-Men.
2. A skilled worker, a craftsman.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > worker > workers according to type of work > manual or industrial worker > [noun] > manual worker > skilled worker or craftsman
wright?a695
craftyeOE
craftimanOE
craftmanc1275
wroughtc1275
master-mana1325
mister mana1325
craftsmana1382
man of craft1389
artificera1393
handcraftman?c1480
handcraftsman1485
mechanic1509
handcrafta1525
handicraftsman1530
artisana1538
handicraftmana1544
handicraft1547
artsman1551
artist1563
mechanician1570
tradesmana1591
mechanical1600
mechanist1606
Daedal?1614
blue apron1629
Daedalus1631
crafter1643
fitter1648
mystery-man1671
toolsman1821
fundi1860
tradie1912
craftspersona1917
1671 J. Arderne Direct Conc. Manner & Style Serm. 12 Nor would I have you to set up for a Mystery-man in any part of their profession.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2003; most recently modified version published online September 2019).
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