doffer
(ˈdɒfə(r))
[f. prec. vb.]
One who or that which doffs.
1. In a carding machine, a comb or revolving cylinder which ‘doffs’ or strips off cotton or wool from the ‘cards’; a doffing-cylinder.
| 1825 [see doffing vbl. n. b]. 1842 J. Bischoff Woollen Manuf. II. 392 When it has passed over the last cylinder on to the drum, it is taken from it by a cylinder somewhat larger than the workers, and called a doffer. 1876 J. Watts Brit. Manuf. III. 134 The doffer or doffing cylinder. |
| attrib. 1825 J. Nicholson Operat. Mechanic 380 The main cylinder..is soon covered with cotton, and is divested of it by the doffer cylinder. 1854 Illustr. Lond. News 5 Aug. 118/4 Occupations of the People..Doffer-plate maker. 1875 Ure's Dict. Arts I. 969 The doffer-knife or comb for stripping the fleecy web from the doffer. |
2. A worker employed in removing the full bobbins or spindles: see
quot. 1894. Also
duffer.
| 1862 Illustr. Lond. News XLI. 558/3 The Throstle Doffer. 1875 Ure's Dict. Arts I. 989 This loss of time, as well as the labour of the ‘doffers’, is abolished. 1893 Westm. Gaz. 22 Apr. 3/1 There are two classes of children employed, called cagers and duffers; little children, boys and girls, who assist the spinners. 1894 Labour Commission Gloss., Doffers, boys or girls from 12 to 15 years..employed to take off the full bobbins and to replace them on the throstle or ring frames by empty ones. 1894 Dundee Advertiser 27 Aug. 4 These included preparers, as they are called..stainers..duffers..reelers..and weavers. |