noun.
A piece done to prove possession of skill sufficient to be ranked a master.
noun.
A piece of quality, indicative of having been made by a master; a masterpiece.
noun.
An act of primary importance.
noun.
A main drain or irrigation channel.
Word Usage
"Although I will say its achievement as a genuine cinematic masterwork is often overlooked because of: A) its far-reaching effects on American culture; B) it’s become one of those films whose actual artistry has somehow gotten lost because it’s on TV all the time (Who wants to talk about it anymore?"