▪ I. hafter, n.1
(ˈhɑːftə(r), -æ-)
[f. haft v.1 + -er1.]
One who makes hafts or handles for tools.
| 1598 Florio, Manicatore..a sleeuer, a hafter, a handler. 1831 J. Holland Manuf. Metal I. 261 This latter opinion was corroborated by the hafter. 1890 Daily News 24 Sept. 2/6 Table-knife hafter. |
▪ II. † hafter, n.2 Obs.
[f. haft v.2 + -er1.]
A caviller, wrangler, haggler, dodger.
| 1519 W. Horman Vulg. 70 b, A flaterynge hafter [sedulus captator] is soone espyed of a wyse man. Ibid. (1530) N vj, He is a hafter of kynde, est versutiæ ingenitæ homo. 1526 Skelton Magnyf. 2485 From crafters and hafters I you forfende. 1573–80 Baret Alv. H 11, An hafter: a wrangler: a cauiller, vitilitigator. 1611 Cotgr., Tergiversateur, a flincher,..hafter, dodger, paulterer. |