Also 6–7 tearmer. [f. TERM sb. + -ER1.]
1. One who resorted to London in term, either for business at a court of law, or for amusements, intrigues, or dishonest practices. Common c. 1550–1675; now only Hist.
1556. J. Heywood, Spider & F., xiv. 11. In westminster hall I … may be a termer all tymes and howrs.
1602. Rowlands, Greene’s Ghost (1860), 22. There be a band of more needy mates called Termers, who trauell all the yeere from faire to faire, and haue great doings in Westminster Hall. Ibid., 48. A Countrey Gentleman … walking in Poules, as tearmers are wont that wait for their lawyers.
1607. Middleton, Michaelmas Term, I. i. He was here three days before the Exchequer gaped Rearage Fie, such an early termer?
1646. Suckling, Goblins, III. Wks. (1694), 274. Country Ladies twelve. Tearmers all.
a. 1668. Davenant, Epilogue, Wks. (1673), 300. To cry Plays down Is half the business Termers have in Town.
1834. Medwin, Angler in Wales, I. 221. Being noted ‘termers,’ they met at the Goat and Tun.
1875. A. W. Ward, Hist. Eng. Dram. Lit. (1899), II. vi. 516, note. ‘Termers’ was a name of opprobrium applied to persons who came up to town to make their harvest in term-time.
† 2. gen. or allusively. One who is bound to a particular time for doing something; one who holds office only for a term or limited period. Obs.
1634. R. Clerke, in Spurgeon, Treas. Dav., Ps. cxxxvi. 1. Salvation is no termer; grace ties not itself to times.
a. 1641. Bp. Mountagu, Acts & Mon., ii. (1642), 107. The High Priests being the ordinary standing Rulers of that people … and those of Iudah but Termers.
3. Obs. form of TERMOR, q.v.
