Also 5 fastare. [f. FAST v. + -ER1.] One who fasts or abstains from food.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 27684 (Cott.). [Þis] man es gret faster.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 151/1. Fastare, jejunator, jejunatrix.
a. 1450. Knt. de la Tour (1868), 13. It is a blessed thinge to faste, for the more harme it doth the faster, the more is the merit, and of gretter valour.
1560. Becon, Treat. Fasting, 79 b. A certayne monke … was counted the greatest and deuoutest faster in all those quaters.
1662. Gunning, Lent Fast, 199. Such fasters I cannot better resemble, then to the ancient blood-thirsty Tyrants.
1712. Swift, Jrnl. to Stella, 16 Jan. This being fast day, Dr. Freind and I went into the city to dine late, like good fasters.
1807. Milner, Martyrs, I. ii. 58, note. A man … of a strict life and a great faster.
1880. Daily News, 27 July, 5/5. The faster’s condition physically during the day was remarkably encouraging.
