n. [ LL. collector one who collects: cf. F. collecteur. ] 1. One who collects things which are separate; esp., one who makes a business or practice of collecting works of art, objects in natural history, etc.; as, a collector of coins. [ 1913 Webster ] I digress into Soho to explore a bookstall. Methinks I have been thirty years a collector. Lamb. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. A compiler of books; one who collects scattered passages and puts them together in one book. [ 1913 Webster ] Volumes without the collector's own reflections. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. (Com.) An officer appointed and commissioned to collect and receive customs, duties, taxes, or toll. [ 1913 Webster ] A great part of this is now embezzled . . . by collectors, and other officers. Sir W. Temple. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. One authorized to collect debts. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. A bachelor of arts in Oxford, formerly appointed to superintend some scholastic proceedings in Lent. Todd. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
