\Col*lect"or\, n. [LL. collector one who collects: cf.
F. collecteur.]
1. One who collects things which are separate; esp., one who
   makes a business or practice of collecting works of art,
   objects in natural history, etc.; as, a collector of
   coins.
         I digress into Soho to explore a bookstall. Methinks
         I have been thirty years a collector. --Lamb.
2. A compiler of books; one who collects scattered passages
   and puts them together in one book.
         Volumes without the collector's own reflections.
                                               --Addison.
3. (Com.) An officer appointed and commissioned to collect
   and receive customs, duties, taxes, or toll.
         A great part of this is now embezzled . . . by
         collectors, and other officers.       --Sir W.
                                               Temple.
4. One authorized to collect debts.
5. A bachelor of arts in Oxford, formerly appointed to
   superintend some scholastic proceedings in Lent. --Todd.