Also 8–9 -er. [n. of action on L. type f. CONSTRUCT: = med.L. constructor, mod.F. constructeur.]

1

  1.  One who constructs, makes, or frames; one who designs the construction of a thing; spec. an officer charged with the supervision of construction for the navy.

2

1751.  Johnson, Rambler, No. 103, ¶ 9. A constructer of dials.

3

1847.  Craig, Constructer, one who forms or constructs.

4

1876.  Bancroft, Hist. U.S., V. ix. 424. He was aided by constructors … from the fleet in the St. Lawrence.

5

1885.  Manch. Exam., 11 June, 5/1. The constructors of the maps.

6

1889.  Whitaker’s Alm., 214. Naval Service … Constructive and Engineering Staff: Director of Naval Construction; Chief Constructors … Constructors. Ibid., 230. Portsmouth Dockyard … Chief Constructor … Constructors.

7

  † 2.  One who construes or interprets. Obs. rare.

8

1616.  Capt. Smith, Descr. New Eng., 50. Lest my owne relations of those hard euents might by some constructors be made doubtfull.

9

  Hence Constructorship, the office or position of a (naval) constructor.

10

1870.  Times, 21 Dec. Mr. Childers actually offered the Chief Constructorship to the designer of the Captain.

11