[f. THRILL v.1 + -ER1.] One who or that which thrills; spec. (slang or colloq.) a sensational play or story (cf. SHOCKER).
1882. Tribune (Scranton, PA), 7 April, 4/1. ‘A Life’s Mistake’ at Music Hall next Tuesday evening. It ought to be a thriller.
1889. Pall Mall G., 1 July, 6/1. It is always painful to see clever actors … wasting their energies on a worthless play…. It is seldom that we are treated to a more bald and empty production than this invertebrate ‘thriller.’
1896. Pall Mall Mag., Nov., 380. Fullblown detectives … the sort you read of in the thrillers!
