[f. BLENCH v.1 + -ER1.]
† 1. A person or thing employed to turn or frighten away, e.g., a scarecrow: in Hunting, one placed to turn the deer from going in particular directions. Cf. BLANCHER2. Obs.
1531. Elyot, Gov., I. xxiii. (1883), 247. The good husbande … settethe up cloughtes or thredes, whiche some call … blenchars … to feare away birdes.
1575. Turberv., Venerie, 192. To set up bleinchers or sewels (which are white papers).
a. 1625. Fletcher, Love’s Pilgr., II. i. 8/2. Hurt those That stand but by as blenchers.
2. One who blenches or flinches.
1873. Morris, Love Is Enough, 55. No blencher in battle.
