Main Entry: chan-dler
Pronunciation: chan(d)-l&r
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English chandeler, from Middle French chandelier, from Old French, from chandelle candle, from Latin candela
Date: 14th century
1: a maker or seller of tallow or wax candles and usually soap
2: a retail dealer in provisions and supplies or equipment of a specified kind e.g. <a yacht chandler>
Source: www.m-w.com
In the old days, the chandler used to bring salted meat, live stock (chickens, pigs, etc.), manila ropes, cargo blocks, sail and twine and related stuff, mainly for sailing vessels.
Nowadays a ship chandler has a much wider scope of supply.