Arrameur

An ancient officer of a port, whose business was to load and unload vessels.

An ancient officer of a port, whose business was to load and unload vessels. There were formerly, in several ports of Guyenne, certain officers, called arrameurs, or stowers, who were master-carpenters and were paid by the merchants, who loaded the ship. Their business was to dispose properly, and stow closely, all goods in casks, bales, boxes, bundles, or otherwise; to balance both sides, to fill up the vacant spaces, and arrange everything to the best advantage. It was not but that the greatest part of the ship's crew understood this as well as these stowers, but they would not meddle with it, nor undertake it, to avoid falling under the merchant's displeasure, or being accountable for any ill accident that might happen by that means. There were also sacquiers, who were very ancient officers, as may be seen in the Theodosian code, Unica de Saccariis Portus Romae, lib. 14. Their business was to load and unload vessels loaded with salt, corn, or fish, to prevent the ship's crew defrauding the merchant.

In old French law, An officer employed to superintend the loading of vessels, and the safe stowage of the cargo, 1 Pet. Adm. Append. XXYV.

Norm.

In old French law. A stower or stevidore; an officer anciently employed to load vessels. The business of the arrameurs was to dispose right, and stow closely all goods in casks, hales, boxes, bundles or otherwise; to balance both sides, to fill up the vacant spaces, and manage ever Tthing to the best advantage. Laios of Oleron, art. xi., obs. 1 Peters' Adm, Dec. Appendix, xxv.