GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Author , n. [OE. authour, autour, OF. autor, F. auteur, fr. L. auctor, sometimes, but erroneously, written autor or author, fr. augere to increase, to produce. See Auction, n.]
   The beginner, former, or first mover of anything; hence, the efficient cause of a thing; a creator; an originator.
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   Eternal King; thee, Author of all being.
   Milton.
   
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   One who composes or writes a book; a composer, as distinguished from an editor, translator, or compiler.
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   The chief glory of every people arises from its authors.
   Johnson.
   
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   The editor of a periodical. [Obs.]
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   An informant. [Archaic]
   Chaucer.
   
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2.       
   Author , v. t.
   To occasion; to originate. [Obs.]
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   Such an overthrow . . . I have authored.
   Chapman.
   
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   To tell; to say; to declare. [Obs.]
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   More of him I dare not author.
   Massinger.
   
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