subs. (old: now recognised).—An unlicensed trader; a smuggler; one who interferes, or intercepts unwarrantably. Also as in quot. 1696.
1627. MINSHEU, Dictionary. INTERLOPERS in trade.
1675. SIR W. TEMPLE, Letter, (To the Governor and Company of Merchant Adventurers) 26 March. Whatever privileges are allowed your Company at Dort will be given by the other towns, either openly or covertly, to all those INTERLOPERS who may bring their manufactures directly thither.
c. 1696. B. E., A New Dictionary of the Canting Crew, s.v. INTERLOPERS, Hangers on, retainers to, or dependers upon other folks; also Medlers and Busybodies, intruders into other Men’s Professions, and those that intercept the Trade of a Company, being not legally authorised.
1725. New Canting Dictionary, s.v.
