Leroux-O'Connor Family site

Terminology

France

Leroux

Canada

O'Connor

Ireland

Terminology

Some terms translated from French to English

arpenteur

land-surveyor

Avocat

Lawyer

Bonnetier

hosier (textiles)

Brasseur

Brewer of beer

Boucher

Butcher

Boulanger

baker

Cardeur

carder (textiles)

Chapelier

Hat maker

Charpentier

Carpenter, shipwright

Chaudronier

Pot maker

Chirurgien

Surgeon (dentist, barber (hey, regulations weren't as tight then, etc.)

Contremaitre

foreman

Commis

Clerk

Cordier

Rope maker

Cordonnier

Shoe maker

Coureur de bois

Literally: runner of the woods. An independent (unlicensed) French-Canadian woodsman. Often a trapper or engaged in the fur trade.

Curé

Priest, Pastor

Domestique

Servant

Ébéniste

Cabinet maker

Écuyer

Esquire

Épicier

Grocer, possibly a spice merchant

Épouse

Wife

Engagé

Hired

Fermier

Farmer, Agricultural worker

Forgeron

Smith/Blacksmith

Fille

Daughter

Filleul/Filleulle

God child

Fils

Son 

Fourier/ fourrier

Broker of furs, Quartermaster

Frère

Brother. Also member of an Abby

Habitant

Settler, initially those granted land charters. Also, the patrons of the Montreal Forum (genus of “Habs”)

Journalier

Laborer, day worker, farmhand

Juge de la court

Royal Judge of the Royal Court

Marié en France

Married in France

Marchand 

Merchant (anyone who sales something)

Masson/maçon

Stonelayer Mason

Meunier

Miller 

Pâtissier

Pastry chef 

père

Father. Priest. Used after the name would be the equivalent of "Senior" 

Seigneur

Land owner, Landlord 

Soeur

Sister. Also Nun.

Soldat

Soldier

Taillandier

Edge-tool maker; knifes, swords etc

Tailleur

Tailor

Tanneur

Tanner

Teinturier

Dyer

tireur de laine

wool puller

tisserand / tisseur

Weaver

Trappeur

Trapper

Voyageur

Traveller. One who engaged in the transporting of furs by canoe during the fur trade. Being a voyageur also included being a part of a licensed, organized effort, one of the distinctions that set them apart from the coureurs des bois.

Vefve/veuve

Widow