purser The purser joined the
warrant officer ranks of the Royal Navy in the early 14th century and existed as a naval rank until 1852. The development of the warrant officer system began in 1040, when
five English ports began furnishing warships to
King Edward the Confessor in exchange for certain privileges. They also furnished crews whose officers were the
master,
boatswain,
carpenter and
cook. Later these officers were "warranted" by the
British Admiralty. Pursers received no pay but were entitled to profits earned through their business activities. In the 18th century, a purser would buy his warrant for £65 and was required to post sureties totalling £2,100 with the admiralty. The pursers maintained and sailed the ships and were the standing officers of the navy, staying with the ships in port between voyages as caretakers supervising repairs and refitting. In charge of supplies such as food and drink, clothing, bedding and candles, the purser was originally known as "the clerk of burser." ==Aircraft== On modern
airliners, the cabin manager (chief
flight attendant) is often called the purser. The purser oversees the flight attendants by ensuring that passengers are safe and comfortable. A flight purser completes detailed reports and verifies that all safety procedures are followed. In the United Kingdom and the Middle East, such term refers to a flight attendant in charge of each cabin, with the chief flight attendant designated as the cabin services director. == See also ==