[f. STARTLE v. + -ER1.] One who or something that startles.
† 1. One who takes offence at something; one who awakes with a start. Obs.
1671. [R. MacWard], True Non-Conf., 268. None, but such phantastick Formalists as you will prove startlers at this sure and acceptable simplicity.
1810. Scott, Lady of L., II. xxi. When, dazzled by the eastern glow, Such startler cast his glance below.
2. One who does startling things.
1873. Leland, Egypt. Sketch-Bk., 309. Let us suppose that an artist—like many great modern startlers in paint—simply attempts to [etc.].
3. Something that startles; a startling thing.
1864. ‘Artemus Ward,’ Among Mormons, v. Wks. (1871), 205. This careless manner of carting off solid silver is rather of a startler.
1889. J. K. Jerome, Idle Thoughts, 63. A subject the discussion of which will come upon the world in the nature of a startler.
1892. Photogr. Ann., II. 881. He heads the article in question appropriately, ‘An Optical Startler.’
