linguister

noun3

1. •
   (no longer used, historical) A native interpreter assisting Europeans in colonial contexts.

   • […] the Portuguese very privatly gives information […] that it [the murder] was done by one of my people and by my order[;] this young man whom they accused was my linguister […] — 1666
2. •
   (no longer used) Synonym of interpreter.
3. •
   (no longer used, historical) A native agent facilitating European trade in East and Central Africa in colonial contexts.

   • A “chief linguister” went along in order to act as a broker for the ship’s captain or supercargo. — 1991