01 n. The beginner, former, or first mover of anything; hence, the efficient cause of a thing; a creator; an originator.
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1.
The beginner, former, or first mover of anything; hence, the efficient cause of a thing; a creator; an originator.“Eternal King; thee, Author of all being.” — Milton.
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2.
One who composes or writes a book; a composer, as distinguished from an editor, translator, or compiler.“The chief glory of every people arises from its authors.” — Johnson.
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3.
The editor of a periodical.[Obs.]
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4.
An informant.[Archaic]