Fator

/ˈfeɪtər/ noun

Definition

A merchant or trader who sells goods on behalf of someone else; a commercial agent or factor in historical trade.

Etymology

From Portuguese 'feitor' (an agent or overseer), derived from Latin 'factor' (one who does); used in colonial and maritime trade to describe commercial representatives.

Kelly Says

Portuguese and Spanish 'fators' were the first European traders in Africa and Asia—they established trading posts and negotiated with local rulers, and their name reflected their middleman role.

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