Main Entry: pro·pri·e·tor

Pronunciation: \prə-ˈprī-ə-tər\

Function: noun

Etymology: alteration of ¹proprietary

Date: 1637

1 : one granted ownership of a colony (as one of the original American colonies) and full prerogatives of establishing a government and distributing land
2 a : a person who has the legal right or exclusive title to something : owner b : one having an interest (as control or present use) less than absolute and exclusive right

— pro·pri·e·tor·ship \-ˌship\ noun