[f. BLOAT a.1 + -ER: app. like the vulgar deader, liver, four-wheeler.] A ‘bloat’ or bloated herring: see BLOAT a.1, v.1
1832. S. Tymms, Family Topogr., III. 142. Herrings, at Yarmouth where the method of curing is unrivalled, called ‘Yarmouth bloaters.’
1871. M. Collins, Mrq. & Merch., II. iv. 97. He had been breakfasting on a bloater.
1882. Buckland, Notes Anim. Life, 202. Real Yarmouth bloaters are herrings very slightly salted, and smoked for three or four hours only.
