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, aud to draw, up the posteas and any orders of nisi prius. The associates are now officers of the Su-preme Court of Judicature, and are styled “Masters of the Supreme Court” wharton