An officer of the army or navy whose duty is to keep the pay-accounts and pay the wages of the officers and men. Any official charged with the disbursement of public money. Paymaster general. In English law. The officer who makes the various payments put of the public money required for the different degirtments of the state by issuing drafts on the ank of England. Sweet In American law, the ofllcer at the head of the pay corps of the army is so called, also the naval officer holding corresponding office and rank with reference to the pay department of the navy.