Whoremaster

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A person who manages or profits from the activities of sex workers
2. an individual who exploits others for sexual gain or financial profit
3. one who oversees or controls activities related to sexual commerce in a predatory manner

Etymology: "Whoremaster" is a plain compound, formed from "whore" and "master," and its earlier form was "hore-maister." Each part keeps its original sense: "master" in the sense of one who has command or authority over someone, and "whore" for a prostitute. Put together, the word names a man who manages or profits from prostitution, a pimp or procurer, with the added note of exploitation that the given meaning carries. The spelling history is the main thing to notice. The older form "hore-maister" shows the word was already a fixed pairing before the modern spelling settled, so the compound was not a later creation from separate words but an established phrase that hardened into one term. Because the two halves are so transparent, the word needs little more explanation, and its meaning comes straight from them.

Synonyms: pimp, procurer, broker, madam, brothel keeper