Meaning

• An owner.

• A sole owner of an unincorporated business, also called a sole proprietor.

• One of the owners of an unincorporated business, a partner.

• (history) 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."