Astronomer Royal

noun

the chief astronomer of England, appointed by the British Crown.

the chief astronomer of Scotland, director of the Royal Edinburgh Observatory.

Origin of Astronomer Royal

First recorded in 1895–1900

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Examples from the Web for astronomer royal

He is recommended to apply for information to the Astronomer-Royal.
Mr. Punch On Tour|Various
Between 1713 and 1721 he acted as secretary to the Royal Society, and early in 1720 he succeeded Flamsteed as astronomer-royal.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 8|Various
The following remarks by the Astronomer-Royal on this subject seem to me just, in the main.
Myths and Marvels of Astronomy|Richard A. Proctor
A detailed examination convinced the Astronomer-Royal of its superior accuracy to Bessel's result with the heliometer.
A Popular History of Astronomy During the Nineteenth Century|Agnes M. (Agnes Mary) Clerke

The first astronomer-royal after Greenwich Observatory was built.
Biographical Outlines|Anonymous

British Dictionary definitions for astronomer royal

Astronomer Royal

noun

an honorary title awarded to an eminent British astronomer: until 1972, the Astronomer Royal was also director of the Royal Greenwich Observatory

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012