compere

Etymology

A borrowing of French compère (“partner, accomplice”), from Old French comper, from Late Latin compater (“godfather”), from Latin com- (“with”) + pater (“father”). Doublet of compeer, compadre, and goombah.

noun

1. (chiefly British, Ireland) A master of ceremonies, especially for a television, variety, or quiz show.
   Every year I am the compere for our Church Quiz Night.
   The compere came onto the stage holding the gold envelope that contained the winner's name. 2008, Kerry Katona, The Footballer's Wife, page 157
   Not only for his fighting expertise but also reminiscent of a compere in a cabaret show working the crowd, as a build up to the main event. 2012, Steve Taberner, The Wigan Hammer: The Autobiography by Steve Taberner, AuthorHouse, page 249
   They were barely settled when the final song came to an end; the audience began to applaud and after a few more seconds the voice of the compere came over the PA. 2012, Sue Welfare, One Night Only, HarperCollins, unnumbered page

verb

1. (intransitive, transitive) To emcee, to act as compere.
   I will be compering for next week's Village Fete.