Also 4 stryfer, 5 stryvar, 5–6 -er. [f. STRIVE v. + -ER1.]
1. One who strives with others; a contender, competitor. † In early use also, one given to strife, a contentious person.
a. 1400. New Test. (Paues), 1 Cor. xi. 16. Ȝif þer be any of ȝow a stryfer.
c. 1400. trans. Secreta Secret., Gov. Lordsh., 115. A full fface … bytokyns a stryuer, a dyscordour.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 480/1. Stryvar, litigator, rixator.
1480. Caxton, Chron. Eng., VII. (1520), 81 b/2. Alexandre hadde stryfe 17 yere, and the foure stryvers that the Emperour set agaynst hym he overcame them and cursyd them.
1526. Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W., 1531), 98. It is not convenyent the seruaunt of god to be a stryuer or a brauler.
1658. J. Durham, Expos. Rev. vii. 9 (1660), 391. The sealed ones were strivers; these are victors, Therefore must succeed them as victory doth to fighting.
1853. T. T. Lynch, Self-Improvement, vi. 152. The case of the striver against Circumstance is like that of one who, moving against the waters, yet must move upon them.
2. One who makes strenuous effort or endeavor.
1562. J. Heywood, Prov. & Epigr. (1867), 160. He striueth agaynst the streme, by customs scoole That striuer is either a fishe or a foole.
1828. Carlyle, Goethe’s Helena, Misc. 1840, I. 198. In all his lofty aspirings, his strivings after truth…, it has never struck him to inquire how he, the striver, was warranted for such enterprises.
1865. M. Arnold, Ess. Crit., Marc. Aurel., 275. This truly modern striver and thinker.
1887. Pall Mall Budget, 27 Jan., 29/1. He was a diligent striver after perfection.
† 3. ? Used jocularly for: A partner in the dance.
1609. Beaum. & Fl., Scornf. Lady, II. (1616), D 2. Take thy striuer, and pace her till shee stew. Sa. Sure Sir, I cannot daunce with your Gentlewoman.
