Obs. exc. dial. [Etymology unknown.] ‘A cant word for a woman who picks up rags about the street; and used, by way of contempt, for any low vulgar woman.’ J. Also attrib.

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1707.  E. Ward, Hudibras Rediv., II. II. ii. (1715), 25. Punks, Strolers, Market Dames, and Bunters.

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1721.  Bailey, Bunter, a gatherer of Rags in the Streets for the making of Paper.

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1758.  Monthly Rev., 184. A nasty bunter or stinking dirty fish drab.

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1759.  H. Walpole, Par. Register, in A. Dobson, Fielding, v. 118 (1883). Here Fielding met his bunter Muse.

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1763.  Brit. Mag., IV. 542. I heard a bunter at the Horse-guards last Friday evening swear she would not venture into the Park.

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1819.  Abeillard & Hel., 344. Complete fox-hunters and much addicted to the bunters.

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