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Paymaster Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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paymaster

[หˆpeษชหŒmรฆstษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

at work

A person who is in charge of paying wages or salaries to employees.

Synonyms

pay clerk, payroll officer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
paymaster

Even though it repeats, the term is best situated in historical or formal discussions about roles involving financial disbursements.

  • In historical books, the term 'paymaster' is often used to refer to those who managed funds for large groups.
  • The role of paymaster was crucial during wartime operations.
pay clerk

Commonly used in office environments or smaller organizations where someone is responsible for processing and recording payments.

  • Sarah works as a pay clerk and handles all the monthly payroll tasks.
  • If you have questions about your wages, ask the pay clerk.
payroll officer

Often used in corporate or large organizational contexts where the person is specifically responsible for managing the payroll process, ensuring compliance with regulations.

  • The payroll officer ensured that all employees received their correct wages.
  • During the audit, the payroll officer was responsible for providing all necessary documentation.

Examples of usage

  • The paymaster distributed the paychecks to all the employees.
  • The paymaster is responsible for ensuring that all employees are paid accurately and on time.
Context #2 | Noun

historical

An officer in the military responsible for overseeing the payment of troops.

Synonyms

quartermaster, treasurer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
paymaster

This term is typically used in a military or corporate setting where a person is responsible for paying salaries or wages to the staff.

  • The paymaster will distribute the salaries to all the soldiers.
  • If you have any issues with your paycheck, please contact the paymaster.
treasurer

Often used in organizational, non-profit, or governmental settings, this person is in charge of managing the financial assets and liabilities.

  • The treasurer presented the annual budget report to the board of directors.
  • As a treasurer, she is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records for the charity.
quartermaster

Commonly employed in a military context, this role involves managing supplies, equipment, and sometimes housing for troops.

  • The quartermaster is responsible for ensuring all soldiers have the necessary equipment.
  • Before you head out, check with the quartermaster for your camping supplies.

Examples of usage

  • The paymaster was in charge of distributing the soldiers' wages during the war.
  • In the past, the paymaster played a crucial role in maintaining morale among the troops.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • In ancient Rome, a paymaster was crucial for managing payments to troops, ensuring they received compensation for their service.
  • The role became more formalized during the rise of trade guilds in the Middle Ages, where paymasters handled wages for craftsmen and laborers.
  • By the 19th century, corporate structures began to adopt paymasters for regular employee wages, leading to modern payroll systems.

Pop Culture

  • Paymasters are often depicted in movies and books as characters dealing with large sums of money, showcasing trust and power.
  • In video games, characters might play the role of paymasters, where they allocate resources for missions or upgrades.
  • The phrase 'paymaster' can sometimes be humorously used to describe someone who frequently treats friends to meals or outings.

Modern Usage

  • In today's businesses, paymasters are essential in HR departments, ensuring that employees are paid accurately and on time.
  • The role has expanded with technology; many companies use software to assist in calculating and disbursing payments more efficiently.
  • In the film and entertainment industry, a paymaster may also refer to someone who handles payments for project crews and talent.

Finance and Law

  • In finance, the term also extends to legal requirements; certain paymasters manage escrow accounts ensuring funds are dispersed according to agreements.
  • Regulations in some industries require designated paymasters to prevent financial misconduct, ensuring accountability in fund distribution.
  • The role may include oversight functions, such as ensuring compliance with labor laws relating to employee compensation.

Origin of 'paymaster'

Main points about word origin

  • The term combines 'pay,' which comes from the Latin 'pฤgare,' meaning to settle a debt, and 'master,' from Old French 'maistre,' meaning someone in charge.
  • It first appeared in English around the 16th century, initially referring to someone responsible for making salary payments.
  • The concept reflects historical practices of financial management within military and governmental structures.

The term 'paymaster' originated in the late 15th century, combining 'pay' and 'master' to refer to someone who is a master of payments. Initially used in military contexts to denote the officer in charge of distributing soldiers' wages, the term later expanded to include civilian roles responsible for payroll management. Paymasters have played a vital role throughout history in ensuring that individuals receive their rightful compensation for their work.

See also: nonpayer, nonpayment, pay, payable, payback, payee, payer, payment, payments, payoff, payor, paywise, repay, repayment, spay.