adj. Of or pertaining to the manner of a master of an art, technique, profession, or craft; masterly.
adj. In the manner of a master; very skillful.
adj. Having or showing the qualities of a master vis-a-vis a dependent or subordinate; authoritative; domineering.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
adj. Inclined to play the master; domineering; imperious; arbitrary.
adj. Having the skill or power of a master; indicating or expressing power or mastery.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
Having the character or qualities of a master; capable of mastery; controlling; imperious; domineering.
Expressing or indicating mastery; exhibiting force or power: as, a masterful manner or command.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
adj. having or revealing supreme mastery or skill
Word Usage
"The other was a shrewd-looking, keen-faced, sparely-built man, with somewhat aquiline nose and straight narrow forehead, not at all bad-looking or evil-looking and with an air of strong determination; in short, what one calls a masterful man."