or filch (q.v.), subs. (old cant: now recognised).—A thief. [From FILCH (q.v.) = to steal + ER.] For synonyms, see AREA-SNEAK and THIEVES.
1580. TUSSER, Five Hundred Pointes of Good Husbandrie, ch. 10, St. 54, p. 25 (E.D.S.). Purloiners and FILCHERS, that loveth to lurke.
1598. JONSON, Every Man in his Humour, iv. 9. How now, Signior Gull! are you turned FILCHER of late? Come, deliver my cloak.
1636. DAVENANT, The Wits, Act. V.
| The old blade | |
| Skulks there like a tame FILCHER, as he had | |
| Ne’er stolen ’bove eggs from market-women, | |
| Robb’d an orchard, or a cheese-loft. |
1887. J. W. EBSWORTH, Cavalier Lyrics (In Alsatia, etc.). FILCHERS, who grabble at other folks’ chink.
