Counter-caster

One who keeps accounts, or casts up accounts by counters. Thus, in The Winter’s Tale, the Clown says, “Fifteen hundred shorn; what comes the wool to? I cannot do ʹt without counters.” (Act iv. s. 3.)

“And what was he?

Forsooth, a great arithmetician, …

And I … must be beleeʹd and calmed

By debitor and creditor, this counter-caster.”

Shakespeare: Othello, i. 1.

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.