The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Mastersinger \Mas"ter*sing`er\, n. [A translation of G.
   meisters[aum]nger.]
   One of a class of poets which flourished in Nuremberg and
   some other cities of Germany in the 15th and 16th centuries.
   They bound themselves to observe certain arbitrary laws of
   rhythm.
   [1913 Webster]