1. One who, or that which, excites; † an instigator.
1387. Trevisa, Higden (Rolls), VIII. 267. Lewelynes broþer David … þat was exciter [L. incentor] of all þis woo.
c. 1400. Test. Love, I. (1560), 277/2. Excitours to the matters were so painted and coloured, that [etc.].
1617. Collins, Def. Bp. Ely, II. ix. 360. He would haue relligion to be … an exciter … of our reuerence to Saints.
1795. Hist., in Ann. Reg., 89. Exciters of the insurrection.
1812. Shelley, in Hogg, Life (1858), II. 58. The personal exciter and strengthener of my virtuous habits.
1862. R. H. Patterson, Ess. Hist. & Art, 325. I am simply looking upon War as the strongest exciter of the human mind.
2. Med. An excitant; a stimulant.
1832. in Webster; whence in mod. Dicts.
