Purser \Purs"er\, n. [See {Purse}, and cf. {Bursar}.] 1. (Naut.) A commissioned officer in the navy who had charge of the provisions, clothing, and public moneys on shipboard; -- now called {paymaster}. 2. A clerk on steam passenger vessels whose duty it is to keep the accounts of the vessels, such as the receipt of freight, tickets, etc. 3. Colloquially, any paymaster or cashier. {Purser's name} (Naut.), a false name. [Slang]