[f. WITHSTAND v. + -ER1.] One who withstands; a resister, opponent.
a. 1325. MS. Rawl. B. 520, lf. 25 b. Þe schirreue … sal … chastise þe withstonderes þoru þe prison.
1382. Wyclif, Num. xxii. 33. Ȝyuynge stede to the withstonder.
1550. Bale, Engl. Votaries, II. 49. To terryfye their withstanders.
1567. Reg. Privy Council Scot., I. 569. A withstandar of his Hienes authoritie.
1588. Marprel. Epist. (Arb.), 6. Proud prelates, intolerable withstanders of reformation.
a. 1618. Raleigh, Judic. & Sel. Ess., II. (1650), 1. War … may be defined the exercise of violence under Soveraigne Command, against withstanders force.
1745. Dodsley, Rex et Pontifex, Misc. I. 155. Silence every bold withstander That shall dare to disobey.
1820. Examiner, No. 645. 530/1. It has seen him withstand the withstanders of those despotisms.
1877. Morley, Crit. Misc., Ser. II. 199. Obstinate withstanders of all novelty.
