[cf. Ger. kirch-, kirchenmeister.] dial. Southernized form of KIRK-MASTER, a northern equivalent of CHURCHWARDEN.
[1429. Test. Ebor. (1836), I. 417. To the kyrkmasters a nobill.]
1484. Churchw. Acc. Wigtoft, nr. Boston (Nichols, 1797), 77. John Brigge yonger, and John Barre Chirche Maisters of the paryshe chirche of Wigtoft.
1566. in Peacock, Eng. Ch. Furniture (1866), 74. Item the aulter stones broken for pavement in the times of the forenamed churche Masters 1562.
1886. Cole, S. W. Lincoln. Gloss. (E. D. S.), s.v., They telld me he were Chuchmester to-year.