Legal Definitions - master of the chancery

Definition: The Master of the Chancery was a senior official or clerk of a court of chancery in English law. They were appointed to assist the Chancellor in various duties such as examining cases, taking oaths and affidavits, hearing testimony, and computing damages. The office was abolished in 1897 and was replaced by the office of Master of the Supreme Court.

Example: A Master in Chancery would be responsible for assisting the court in matters referred to them. For example, if a case required the examination of witnesses, the Master in Chancery would be responsible for hearing their testimony and reporting back to the court.

Explanation: The example illustrates how a Master in Chancery would assist the court in their duties. They would be responsible for conducting hearings and gathering information that would be used in the court's decision-making process.