Also 6–7 ringer. [f. prec. + -ER1. Cf. OHG. ringari (MHG., G. ringer) wrestler.]
I. 1. An exactor, extortioner; an oppressor.
a. 1300. Sarmun, xxi. in E. E. P. (1862), 3. Such a wringer goþ to helle for litil gode þat nis noȝt his.
1562. J. Heywood, Prov. & Epigr. (1867), 206. How lost you your welth?… Who was your welthes wringer?
1578. T. Wilcocks, Serm. Pawles, 56. Masters detayning seruaunts wages; a roring sinne, whiche shall make the wringers houle for it.
a. 1618. Sylvester, Sec. Sess. Parlt., Wks. (Grosart), II. 141. An Act against all greedy Wringers, Wrongers, Usurers, and Oppressors.
1857. Dickens, Dorrit, II. xxxii. You’re … a screwer by deputy, a wringer, and squeezer, and a shaver by substitute.
2. One who presses out juice or moisture. rare–1.
1388. Wyclif, Isaiah xvi. 10. Y haue take awei the vois of wryngeris out [L. calcantium].
b. One who wrings clothes or the like after washing; one whose occupation consists in wringing.
1598. Shaks., Merry W., I. ii. 5. There dwels … his Laundry; his Washer, and his Ringer.
1618. Reyce, Brev. Suffolk (1902), 22. Wringers, spinners, weavers, burlers.
1831. Carlyle, Sart. Res., I. iii. Old Lieschen,… who was … his washer and wringer.
1881. Instr. Census Clerks (1885), 59. Gun Cotton Manufacture: Beater. Dipper. Wringer.
transf. 1573. G. Harvey, Letter-bk. (Camden), 102. Her waste so laste; her fingers sutch wringers.
† 3. a. One who twists or distorts. rare–1.
1552. Huloet, Wringer or wryster of a thinge out of ordre, elico.
† b. = WRESTER 2. Obs. rare–1.
c. 1560. Godly & Fruteful Treatise. Wresters and wringers of thy holy scripture.
† 4. One who causes pain, suffering, etc.
1602. Contention betw. Liberality & Prodigality, IV. ii. Thistles, and nettles most horrible stingers, Rauens, grypes, and gryphons, oh vengible wringers.
II. † 5. A crow-bar. (Cf. RINGER sb.1 3.) Obs.
1703. [R. Neve], City & C. Purchaser, 48. They … united into one intire Body, so that they are forced to get them out with Wringers (or Iron-bars).
6. A wringing-machine.
1799. Hull Advertiser, 15 June, 2/4. Mr. Beetham’s … patent wringer.
1875. Knight, Dict. Mech., 2822/1. Palmer’s Combined Wringer and Mangle.
1891. Anthony’s Photogr. Bull., IV. 298. Passing it between the rollers of the wringer.
7. A device for wringing hot fomentations before application.
1884. Eva Lückes, Lect. Nursing, vii. 135. You will require new fomentation flannels and wringers.
1896. Allbutt’s Syst. Med., I. 435. A good wringer is made by a strip of ticking.
