scoutmaster
UK[ˈskaʊtˌmɑːstə]US[ˈskaʊtˌmæstər]
n
the adult leader in charge of a troop of Scouts (such as the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts).
Morpheme Breakdown
scout
master
scout
master
Etymology
The word 'scoutmaster' is a transparent 20th-century English compound, formed by combining two pre-existing nouns. The first element, 'scout', entered English in the 14th century from Old French, carrying the sense of one who gathers information. Its use for the youth organization, founded by Robert Baden-Powell, dates from 1908. The second element, 'master', is a native English word of Latin origin, signifying a person in command or a skilled practitioner. When combined, the term literally means 'the master or leader of the Scouts,' directly reflecting the role's function of overseeing and instructing a troop within the scouting movement. The formation follows a common English pattern for titles, similar to 'postmaster' or 'quartermaster'.
Analysis
Structure: scout + master
scout (from Old French 'escouter' meaning 'to listen', ultimately from Latin 'auscultare'; denotes a person sent out to observe or reconnoiter). master (from Old English 'mægester', from Latin 'magister' meaning 'chief, teacher, director'; denotes a person in authority or control).
Examples
The scoutmaster taught the troop how to build a safe campfire.
She became the first female scoutmaster in the council's history.
All parents must meet with the scoutmaster before the overnight expedition.