[a. L. captor, agent-n. f. cap-ĕre to take (see CAPTURE): cf. F. capteur.]
1. One who takes by force a prisoner or a prize; spec. (in 18th c.) one who makes a capture at sea.
1688. Miége, Gt. Fr. Dict., Captor, celui qui a fait la prise.
1712. Act 10 Anne, xxvi. § 113. Her Majesty’s Declaration made in favour of the Captors of prizes.
1722. Capt. Ogle, in Lond. Gaz., No. 6091/3. I being Captor, was disqualified.
1755. Magens, Insurances, I. 487. Before the Ship or Goods, can be disposed of by the Captor.
1805. Southey, Madoc in Azt., xviii. Ririd … Close on the captors, with avenging sword, Follow’d right on.
1871. Blackie, Four Phases, i. 56. Lysander the captor of Athens.
† 2. A censor. (Cf. caption.) Sc. Obs.
1646. Row, Hist. Kirk (1842), 186. There were captors appointed to observe what speeches ministers uttered.
