[f. as prec. + -ER1.]
1. One who fastens or makes fast.
1755. in Johnson.
1798. Jane Austen, Northang. Abb. (1838), II. vii. 142. The possibility of the door’s having been at first unlocked, and she herself its fastener.
2. That which serves to fasten anything.
1792. Mary Wollstonecr., Rights Wom., iv. 151. In the countenance of girls we only look for vivacity and bashful modesty; but, the springtide of life over, we look for soberer sense in the face, and for traces of passion, instead of the dimples of animal spirits; expecting to see individuality of character, the only fastener of the affections.
1874. W. Crookes, Dyeing & Calico-printing, 323. The modified Gallipoli oil acts … as fastener of the red lake.
1884. Birm. Weekly Post, 15 Nov., 3/7. The fastener [of a trap-door] was not properly adjusted.
1892. Law Times’ Rep., LXVII. 163/1. Small hooks or fasteners on the metal busks of the corsets.
† 3. One who fastens on something. Obs.
1628. Earle, Microcosm., Plain Country Fellow (Arb.), 49. His Dinner is his other worke, for he sweats at it as much as at his labour; he is a terrible fastner on a piece of Beefe, and you may hope to staue the Guard off sooner.
† 4. slang. A warrant for arrest. Obs.
a. 1700. B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, Fastner, c. a Warrant.
1785. in Grose, Dict. Vulg. Tongue.
