submaster

From sub- +‎ master.

submaster (plural submasters)

1. (sometimes attributive) A key that can open several locks, but fewer than a master key.
   • 2004, Robert Fischer, Introduction to Security, page 175:

     In an office, a submaster might open all doors in the accounting department; in an industrial facility, it might open all locks in the loading dock area.

   • 2008, Timothy Giles, How to Develop and Implement a Security Master Plan, page 60:

     Do not point specifically at the executives but find out what the cost estimates are for rekeying a submaster space or the entire facility when one of these keys gets lost

   • 2020, Jane M. Wiggins, Facilities Manager's Desk Reference, page 517:

     The use of masters and submasters will enable suites of rooms to be controlled by one key.

2. A copy of a master copy of a recording, generally kept for archival purposes.
   • 2013, Steven Shelley, A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting, page 336:

     Unlike cue or group information, submasters usually actively exist and don't need to be created. Methods for recording channel information into different submasters may vary between consoles.

   • 2014, John Milner, Benson's House, page 196:

     In Edward's absence, Sonny Boy learned to press the discs at Chariot Records. He mastered a process of producing gold-molded submasters that could be played on the phonographs people were now buying for their homes.

3. (education, historical) A secondary or subsidiary schoolmaster.
   • 1914, National Vocational Guidance Association. Meeting, Vocational Guidance: Papers Presented at the Organization..., page 252:

     Masters Submasters Teacher of French Teacher of drawing