stitcher
(ˈstɪtʃə(r))
[f. stitch v.1 + -er1.]
1. One who stitches or sews. In literary use as a general term; in technical use, a person employed in some operation specifically called ‘stitching’ (e.g. in shoemaking, bookbinding). † Formerly also a contemptuous term for a tailor.
| 1589 Nashe Anat. Absurd. B 4 b, Some stitcher, Weauer, spendthrift, or Fidler. a 1613 Overbury A Wife etc. (1638) 258 Shee that sets the first quest of enquiry amongst her gossips for new fashions shall not refuse a stitcher for her second husband. 1805 Mod. London 443 Printers, engravers, stitchers, binders, type-founders. 1858 A. A. Procter Leg. & Lyrics 212 Where the weary stitcher Toils for daily bread. 1878 Simpson Sch. Shaks. I. 142 The stitcher or binder..confounded the previous confusion by misplacing several of the scenes. 1886 Athenæum 7 Aug. 180/3 The Sicilian stitchers..who supplied models to the Venetians..for needlework. |
b. In combination with to adv. In quot. fig.
| a 1637 B. Jonson Under-woods, Epigr. to Counsellor 8 The names..Of Hirelings, Wranglers, Stitchers-to of strife. |
2. A tool or machine used for stitching.
| 1862 Times 12 June 6/2 The blank sole-cutting machine will cut out 60 soles in a minute, and the stitcher will stitch them on..at the rate of about 50 seconds for each shoe. 1901 Munsey's Mag. XXV. 439/2 Carrying the magic power of steam to stitchers and folders. |