▪ I. biter
(ˈbaɪtə(r))
[f. bite v. + -er1.]
1. One who or that which bites. (See the vb.)
| c 1300 Names of Hare in Rel. Ant. I. 133 The hare..The gras-bitere, the goibert. 1496 Bk. St. Albans, Fysshynge 28 A stately fysshe..a stronge byter. 1594 Carew Tasso (1881) 42 A biter at the backe, of such quaint wayes As when he carpeth most, he seemes to prayse. 1607 Topsell Four-f. Beasts 445 Otters are most accomplished biters. 1696 J. Edwards Exist. Prov. God ii. 22 These biters, these cutters, are made with a very acute edge. 1870 Spurgeon Treas. Dav. Ps. vii. 15 This biter who has bitten himself. |
2. spec. A deceiver; one who amuses himself at another's expense; a sharper. (Obs. exc. in ‘the biter bit,’ a traditional quotation.)
| 1680 Cotton Compl. Gamester 333 Shoals of huffs, hectors, setters, gilts, pads, biters, etc...may all pass under the general appellation of rooks. 1693 D'Urfey Richmond Heiress Epil. p. 64 Is't not fit Once in an age the Biter should be bit. 1710 E. Ward Nuptial Dial. II. ix. 179, I think she merits equal Praise That has the Wit to bite the Biter. 1711 Addison Spect. No. 47 ¶8 An ingenious Tribe of Men..who are for making April Fools every Day in the Year. These Gentlemen are commonly distinguished by the name of Biters. 1712 Steele ibid. No. 504 §3 A Biter is one who thinks you a Fool, because you do not think him a Knave. 1812 Combe (Dr. Syntax) Picturesque xix, To think we have so little wit, As by such biters to be bit. 1826 M. Kelly Reminiscences (ed. 2) I. 336 Delighted at seeing the biter bit. 1885 Illustr. Lond. News 14 Nov. 492/2 An excellent instance of ‘the biter bit’ was furnished. |
▪ II. biter
obs. form of bitter.