† ˈearth-tiller Obs.
[f. earth n.1 + tiller.]
A cultivator of the soil. So in OE. and ME. erthe-tilie, -tilye [see tilie].
c 1000 ælfric Gen. iv. 2 Abel was sceaphyrde, and Cain eorþatilia. c 1205 Lay. 22107 He hæhte..þa eorðe-tilien [1250 erþe-tilies] teon to heore cræften. c 1325 Chron. Eng. 93 in Ritson Metr. Nom. II. 274 Bruyt hade muche folk with him..That were erthe-tilyes gode. 1382 Wyclif Matt. xxi. 34 He sente his seruantis to the erthe tiliers, that they token fruytis of it. 1612 Davies Why Ireland, &c. (1747) 190 Over that 4d. or 6d. daily to every one of them to be had and paid of the poore earth-tillers. 1674 N. Fairfax Bulk & Selv. To Rdr., Off-cast words in the mouths of Handy-crafts-men and Earth-tillers. |