STER, in composition, is from the Sax. Steora, a director. See Steer. It seems primarily to have signified chief, principal or director, as in the Latin Minister, chief servant; but in other words, as in spinster, we do not recognize the sense of chief, but merely that of a person who carries on the business of spinning.
Content
Rights and sources
Review source, license and attribution information for this content.
Content
Webster's Dictionary 1828
American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster, 1828.