Purser

Purser, the name formerly given to the officer in the navy who had the charge and issue of the provisions, slops, soap, tobacco, &c., and who also kept the ship's books; the title was one of the oldest in the service, but the holders of it for long only ranked as warrant-officers, and their duties and responsibilities were in many respects very ill-defined. In the old war-days they were looked upon with great dislike by the seamen, as they were credited with enriching themselves at the expense of the men, and unquestionably the opportunities for sharp practice in their duties were considerable, as also for making money by methods which were not always legitimate; much of this, however, was due to the laxity of the system of victualling and of keeping the ship's accounts in those days. In 1844 this branch of the service was completely reorganised, paymaster being substituted for the title purser; and the officers composing it are now drawn from a much higher class than formerly, coming generally from the same station in life as the combatant officers. See PAYMASTERS.