I tried Lingvo Online but it does not give the answer, but says there is a translation in the paid version of the dictionary. I do not know whether other dictionaries do.
What is the meaning of the word "webster"?
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4Can you give us some context?– NicoleMay 2, 2015 at 21:10
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Yes, context please. It could be an improperly capitalized person's name, it could be a poetic name for a spider (one who spins or weaves webs) or maybe for a person who uses the internet. Or something else.– JimMay 2, 2015 at 21:19
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1@Anixx- Please provide some context- At a minimum the sentence you saw it in, and ideally any other surrounding sentences that provide additional clues to its usage as well as where you saw it.– JimMay 2, 2015 at 21:34
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2@Anixx No. "Webster" is not in use in English as a generic noun; OED and Merriam-Webster (no pun intended) list it as an archaic term for "weaver," but it is not one which one would ever expect to hear.– cpastMay 2, 2015 at 21:38
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4@Anixx No. No no! Webster does not mean weaver. Webster used to mean weaver. Just like demortuus used to mean obsolete, but if you used it today, no one would have any idea what you're saying.– Dan BronMay 2, 2015 at 21:48
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2 Answers
"Webster" is listed in both the OED and Merriam-Webster online versions as an archaic term for a weaver (particularly a female one). Sources: OED, Merriam-Webster
Webster is not a widely used word in current English.
The most likely similar word you might see in general reading or conversation is Webster's, which is part of the title of several well-known dictionaries, and might be used generically to refer to any dictionary.
For example,
Q: Do you know what dicombobulate means?
A: No, let me get out my Webster's and find out.
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1I, for some reason, seem to use the word a little more regularly than others :P. Oct 12, 2015 at 8:25