Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Proprietor \Pro*pri"e*tor\, n. [For older proprietary: cf. F.
   propri['e]tarie.]
   One who has the legal right or exclusive title to anything,
   whether in possession or not; an owner; as, the proprietor of
   farm or of a mill.

Source : WordNet®

proprietor
     n : (law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business;
         "he is the owner of a chain of restaurants" [syn: {owner}]