tree-maker

English

Etymology

From tree +‎ maker.

Noun

tree-maker (plural tree-makers)

1. (biology, genetics, genealogy) One who makes or constructs a tree, i.e., a branching diagram or a family tree.
   • 2019, David Quammen, The Tangled Tree: A Radical New History of Life, page 186:

     Alfred S. Romer, a paleontologist at Harvard, was one of the great tree makers of the midcentury, and his reached a broad audience of young scientists-in-training through his influential textbooks, most notably Vertebrate Paleontology.

2. (equestrianism) One who makes or constructs saddle trees.
   • 1828, Richard Darvill (V.S. 7th Hussars.), A Treatise on the Care, Treatment and Training of the English Racehorse, page 219:

     In making saddles to run and try in, the trees of them are occasionally leaded by the tree-maker or saddler, agreeably to the directions either may receive from his employer; and a four-pound saddle in this way is made to weigh seven pounds.

   • 1907, Hans Gross, ‎John Adam, ‎John Collyer Adam, Criminal Investigation, page 153:

     This instrument was procured and the Investigating Officer was easily convinced of the accuracy of the wood-carver's statements, and, on the result being communicated to the victim of the theft, the thief was easily found: in fact the last servant whom the banker had dismissed had formerly been a tree maker, and indeed went back to that trade whenever he was out of a place .

   • 1985, Oklahoma Today - Volumes 35-36, page 11:

     It takes Hill from a week to at least a month to make a saddle, figuring drying time for the dampened leather and depending on the type of saddle. He starts with the tree, which he acquired from a tree maker.

3. One who combines the waxes (wax molds) for multiple rings onto a a wax rod in order to cast a plaster mold for making multiple rings.
   • 2009, Geshe Michael Roach, ‎Lama Christie McNally, The Diamond Cutter, page 135:

     Next a a tree maker takes a handful of the waxes and attaches them to a wax rod; the waxes branch up off the rod like the limbs of a Christmas tree, connected to the rod by the twig of wax created when the wax was forced down the channel of the mold (this twig is called a "sprue").

4. (software) A software program that constructs family trees.
   • 2001, Jill T. Freeze, Sams Teach Yourself Computer Basics in 24 Hours, page 113:

     Titles found in this category include Compton's Encyclopedia, Microsoft Encarta, Mavis Beacon Typing, home designing software, family tree makers, as well as a wide range of college test preparation software and programs to help you learn a new language.

   • 2011, Cherry Gilchrist, Growing Your Family Tree:

     There are also free software tree-makers, which you can track down online, or via a family history magazine bulletin.

   • 2017, Leonard Hendershott, The Story Gleaner, page 179:

     Our Gold Award winner, Legacy Family Tree, has features that connect you to popular genealogy searches, sync with online tree makers and import any sources you find online.

5. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see tree,‎ maker.