Au'thor1, n.
n. [Lat. auctor, sometimes, but erroneously, written autor or author, from augere, to increase, to produce; Pr. auctor, Sp. autor, Pg. author, It. autore, Fr. auteur.] 1. The beginner, former, or first mover of any thing; hence, the efficient cause of a thing; creator; originator. Eternal King; thee, Author of all being. Milton. 2. Specifically, one who composes or writes a book; the composer of a work, as distinguished from a translator or compiler. The chief glory of every people arises from its authors. Johnson.