And that such purueou'rs be not chaunged withoute grete and notable cause, and that in the presence abouesaid, and that euery such purueoure and acatour afore his admyttinge to such oflice make his othe in manere and fourme folowinge: -- That he shall truly, justely, and egally, withoute oppression of the poore or fauor of the riche, obserue and vse his commission and occupie his said office, to the most profite and behoue of the kyng and eschuyng of the hurt of his people, and yn especiall that he shall obserue and keepe thynges that folwene.

The 86th of Edward the Third, in order fully to remedy the distress occasioned by purveyance, changes the title of the oflicer, “that the hateful name, of purveyor be changed to that of acatour,” &c.

Raulyn Pletour, chief purveyor of corn ; Richard Catour, Thomas de Kent, and Simon Catour, clerk, purveyors under him. John Prest, buyer (acatour) of flesh ; Roger Totesworth, Nicholas Stirtupp, and Richard atte Broke, purveyors under him.

In 1383 Gaunt appointed his valet Adam de Welle as acatour, to purchase 'both cartloads and fish and carriage [for them] and other things needful and duly appurtenant to the office of our acatour'.

Acatour

Meaning

Noun