local. intr. To go off to ships with provisions and assist them when in distress (Simson, Historic Thanet, 110). Hence Foyer, one who does this; Foy-boat, a boat used by ‘foyers.’
1813. R. Edington, Coal Trade, 225. In the ports of Shields, Blyth, Hartley, Cowper and Sunderland, there are not less than 500 pilot and foy-boats employed wholly with the colliers, rating two men and a boy each.
1830. Beauties Thanet, I. 71. The Foyers of this town form a numerous and hardy class of its inhabitants; and many lives and vessels, when in the most imminent peril, have been preserved from destruction through their intrepid and sturdy exertions.
