Obs. Also bowcer, bowsier. [Derivation uncertain: perhaps a corruption of AF. bourser, OF. boursier, BURSAR, f. bourse, purse.
Notwithstanding the form bowcer, and the agreement in sense with BOWCHER, the two words can hardly be identical, since there was no OF. boucier, bouchier, with suitable sense. But the two bowser and bowger, (bowcher) may have been confused in English.]
A treasurer, bursar. Hence Bowsery, a bursar’s office, a bursary.
1534. Hen. VIII. Liber Regis (1786), p. xi. To serche and knowe the … names of the … almoner, bowser, hospyteler.
1552. R. Hutchinson, Serm. Lord’s Supper (1842), 225. Masters of colleges do call their stewards and bowsers to an account and audit.
1626. Scogin’s Jests (1866), 53 (N.). Had every night the keyes of the Bowcery and Buttery delivered.
1631. T. Powell, Tom of All Tr., 149. To be head Bowsier of the Colledge.
1721–1800. Bailey, Bowser, the Purser, or Treasurer of a College.
