cozener
(ˈkʌz(ə)nə(r))
Forms: 6 couson-, coosen-, cosson-, cousen-, 6–7 cosen-, cosin-, 7 couzen-, cozon-, cos'ner, coz'ner.
[f. cozen v. + -er.]
A deceiver, cheat, impostor.
| 1561 J. Awdelay Frat. Vacab. 3 The company of cousoners and shifters. 1587 Golding De Mornay xxx. 474 Magicians and deceitfull Cooseners. 1592 Greene Art Conny Catching iii. 31 Such a number of Connycatchers, Cossoners and such like. 1611 Shakes. Wint. T. iv. iv. 256 There are Cozeners abroad. 1670 Dryden Tyran. Love v. i, Know, fair Coz'ner, that I know the Cheat. 1702 Rowe Tamerl. iv. i. 1575 Nor will I listen to the Cos'ner, Hope. 1815 Scott Guy M. iii, It is the resource of cheaters, knaves, and cozeners. |