instigator
(ˈɪnstɪgeɪtə(r))
Also 6–7 -er.
[a. L. instigātor, agent-n. f. instigāre to instigate. Cf. F. instigateur (14th c. in Hatz.-Darm.).]
One who instigates or sets on; an inciter, stimulator.
| 1598 Florio, Instigatore, an egger on, a prouoker, a pricker forward, an instigater. 1607 Rowlands Guy Warw. 46 Have I..been the instigator unto ought That is unjust in righteous Heavens sight? c 1665 Mrs. Hutchinson Mem. Col. Hutchinson (1846) 88 The King had another instigator of his own violent purposes..and that was the queen. 1786 Burke Articles W. Hastings Wks. 1842 II. 228 Being him⁓self the first mover and instigator of that injustice. 1869 Freeman Norm. Conq. (1870) I. App. 653 The chief instigator of the murder. |