Old occupations, jobs, archaic trades and similar historical terms are often encountered in Family History. Definitions of these words and terms are recorded here.
There are currently 55 old occupations, professions and trades in this directory beginning with the letter G.
Galvaniser
An iron worker who handled process of coating metal with zinc, to inhibit formation of rust.
Game Keeper
A person who worked on an estate and protected the game and livestock from the intrusion of poachers. The role was not unlike that of the ancient foresters, who protected the stocks of the King's game.
Garthman
[1] Yardman or herdsman. [2] One responsible for the upkeep of a garth, a dam built in a river to catch fish. [3] Owner or worker of a fish trap.
Gatherers Boy
see GATHERER. A person who held a shovel to shield the gatherer's face from the heat of a fire or furnace.
Gauger
A customs official who measured the capacity of imported barrels of liquor in order to calculate the customs duty.
Gaveller
[1] Usurer. [2] In the Forest of Dean, an officer of the Crown who granted gales or the right to work a mine. [3] In Suffolk a harvest worker, usually female.
Gentleman
a member of the gentry, a descendant from an aristocratic family whose income came from the rental of his land.
Goodman
a solid member of the community who ranked above a free-man but below a gentleman on the social scale.
Graver
[1] A carver or sculptor, engraver of images. [2] Dockside worker who cleaned ship bottoms by burning and tarring.
Griffin
A European newly arrived in India, and unaccustomed to Indian ways; a novice, a newcomer, a greenhorn.
Grinder
[1] A person who operated grinding machine. Found in various trades, metal works, knife sharpening, cutlery in general, also glass and toolmaking. [2] Worker who maintained a carding machine (textile industry). [3] A private tutor (slang).
Guardian
an appointee of the court who cares for the property and rights of a minor or someone incapable of handling his or her own affairs.
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