Also askere, axere, etc.: see ASK v. [f. ASK v. + -ER1.] One who asks.
1. A questioner, inquirer.
1388. Wyclif, Ezek. xiv. 10. Bi the wickidnesse of the axere, so the wickidnesse of the prophete shal be.
c. 1400. Apol. Loll., 69. After þe wickydnes of þe ascar schal be þe wichidnes of þe prophet.
1519. Horman, Vulg., 22. The answers … were euer darke and deceyued the axer.
1645. Milton, Tetrach., Wks. (1851), 229. The trope of indignation, fittest account for such askers.
1749. Bp. Lavington, Enthus. (1754), II. 155. Curious Beholders and Askers of impertinent Questions.
2. One who asks favors, gifts, etc.; a suppliant; one who asks alms, a professional beggar.
c. 1400. Rom. Rose, 6676. Many a man That yeveth his good for … he Wolde of the asker delyvered be.
1569. J. Sanford, trans. Agrippa’s Van. Artes, 91. So many presumptuouse monie askers.
a. 1631. Donne, Ess. Divin. (1651), 145. Love an Asker better than a Giver.
1858. Ld. St. Leonards, Handy Bk. Prop. Law, xxv. 189. Each asking of leave is an admission that, at the time, the asker had no right.
1883. R. Burton & Cameron, Gold Coast, I. iii. 60. They beg with a good grace, and not with a curse or an insult like the European ‘asker’ when refused.
† 3. A prosecutor, plaintiff; an exactor, oppressor. Obs.
c. 1375. Eng. Guilds, 361. And þat commune law hym be y-entred, þe axere and þe defendaunt. Ibid., 362. Of plee of dette … ȝif þat þe axkere bryngeþ skore oþer wryt.
1382. Wyclif, Job iii. 18. Thei herden not the vois of the askere [1611 oppressour].
1483. Cath. Angl., An Asker wrangwysly, exactor.
