setter-to ? Obs.
[See set v.1 152.]
1. A professional handler of game-cocks in a cock-fight; = setter n.1 5.
| 1794 Sporting Mag. III. 169 To these another class become annexed, called ‘handers’ or ‘setters to’. 1835 H. Harewood Dict. Sports s.v. Cock-fighting, When once the cocks are pitted, neither of the setters-to can touch his cock..unless [etc.]. |
2. Pugilism. With epithet: One who has a particular style of ‘setting to’ or beginning the fight.
| 1810 Sporting Mag. XXXVI. 125 A shewy setter-to, but a slight hitter. 1824 Egan Boxiana II. 493 The most accomplished setter-to of the day, Tom Belcher. |