[f. APPROVE v.1 + -ER1.]
1. One who proves or offers to prove (another) guilty; hence, an informer, an accuser. Now restricted to: One who confesses a felony and gives evidence against his accomplices in order to secure their conviction; one who turns king’s (queen’s) or state’s evidence. [In this sense generally provour in AFr. (Britton) and ME.]
c. 1400. Apol. Loll., 69. Oiþer he schal dampne þe prouar, or til he fauor þe accusar, þat miȝt not proue, schal iuge þe vngilty.
1533. More, Debell. Salem, Wks. 976/2. Some peraduenture became approuers when they were caste, and called for a coroner.
1581. Lambarde, Eiren., III. ii. (1588), 344. A Prouour … must beginne with confession of his owne fault, before he may be permitted to burthen an other man.
1586. Ferne, Blaz. Gentrie, 315. He is the assailaunt, and is commonly called the approouer or maintainer.
1611. Speed, Hist. Gt. Brit., IX. xxiv. 851/2. Suffer neither the said prouer, nor defender to take any of their weapons.
1613. Sir H. Finch, Law (1636), 387. The Defendant confessing an enditement of felonie may accuse others, in which case wee call him an Approuer.
1679. Trial of Langhorn, 27. An Approver, while he is in that service, hath a Peny a day.
1855. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., IV. 670. The testimony of a crowd of approvers swearing for their necks.
† 2. One who proves, tests or tries. Obs.
1541. R. Copland, Guydon’s Quest. Cyrurg., Q ij. Whan that the approuers come … for to examyne them.
1691. Wood, Ath. Oxon., II. col. 444. [John Rowe] was appointed one of the Approvers of Ministers according to the Presbyterian way.
3. One who confirms, sanctions, pronounces good, or commends.
1548. Udall, etc., Erasm. Par. 2 Cor. (R.). Jesus Christe is my witnes and approuer.
1611. Speed, Hist. Gt. Brit., IX. viii. (1632), 581. Not onely … witnesses at the doing, but also approuers of the deed.
1790. Burke, Fr. Rev., Wks. V. 30. Among the approvers of certain proceedings in France.
1835. Lytton, Rienzi, X. vii. 427. The loudest grumbler … now the loudest approver.
1864. Q. Rev., CXV. 196. Even the flesh of the conger has approvers in modern days.
