proprietor

noun4

1. •
   An owner.

   • Here the proprietor has had the good sense of holding on to the good old fashion of giving his customers their moneyworth of good wines and liquors. — 1879
2. •
   A sole owner of an unincorporated business, also called a sole proprietor.
3. •
   One of the owners of an unincorporated business, a partner.
4. •
   One or more persons to whom a colonial territory is assigned, like a fief, including its administration.

   • From 10 September 1621 till 12 June 1632, Sir William Alexander, styled Earl of Stirling and Viscount of Canada, was proprietor of the Scottish colony Nova Scotia.