From Oxford English Dictionary, 2d edition:
webster
webster1 [we.bst<e>r]
Obs.
exc. Hist.
Forms: 2
webbestre, 4 web(b)ester, webister,
4-5 webstere, 5 webstar, 6
wyebster, 3- webster; Sc.
5-6 wobstar, 6-7 wobster,
6- wabster.
OE. webbestre, fem.of webba weaver.
A weaver:- a.
as the designation of a woman.
b. extended, or applied spec.
, to a male weaver.