master-piece

English

Noun

master-piece (plural master-pieces)

1. Obsolete form of masterpiece.
   • 1785, James Ridgway, A Dictionary of Literary Conversation‎^[1]:

     An invidious, malicious song, replete with the sharpest terms, is, according to them, the master-piece of human wit.

   • 1837, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. […], volume III, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, pages 142–143:

     ...She is romantic—clever—needs excitement; and, therefore, flavours her affection with a handsome seasoning of remorse. I shall expect a master-piece from you to-night; till then adieu, and pray feel as much at home with me as I do with you. By the by," added he, turning back from the door, "be sure you fill the paper; women judge of the strength of your attachment by the length of your letters!"

Further reading

• master-piece, masterpiece at the Google Books Ngram Viewer.