[f. VENT v.2 + -ER.]
1. One who utters or gives vent to a statement, doctrine, etc., esp. of an erroneous, malicious or objectionable nature.
1611. G. H., trans. Anti-Coton, 76. This erroneous doctrine ought to be refuted, and the venters thereof punished.
1683. Hooker, Pordage’s Myst. Div., Pref. Ep. 15. But what of … Blasphemies stupendous; to pass by … their Utterers, the villanous Venters?
1707. Hearne, Collect. (O.H.S.), I. 318. A Venter of Lies and false Stories.
1739. W. Wilson, Def. Ref. Ch. Scot., ii. 79. The Venters of the said Errors.
1885. Beveridge, Culross & Tulliallan, I. ix. 243. Venters of strange oaths … are called to account and forced to do penance.
1906. Oman, Study Hist., 4. Can I say anything that has not been put in a much better shape by some earlier venter of such harangues?
† 2. One who smells or scents out. Obs.–1
1611. Cotgr., Flaireur,… a senter, smeller, venter.
† 3. Sc. One who utters forbidden coin. Obs.–1
1629. Reg. Privy Council Scot., Ser. II. III. 20. Panes … upoun persouns venters, outputters, and homebringers of forbiddin and discharged coyne.
