Obs. Forms: α. 3 viniter, 5 vineter. β. 5 vintere, vynter, 5 vinter. [a. AF. viniter, vineter, vyn-, vinter, OF. and early mod.F. vinet(t)ier (= Pr. vinatier, It. vinattiere, Sp. vinatero, Pg. vinhateiro, med.L. vīnētārius, vīnātārius) wine-seller, f. L. vīnum wine.] A vintner.
1297. R. Glouc. (Rolls), 11226. In þe souþhalf of þe toune & suþþe þe spicerie, Hii breke fram ende to oþer & dude al to robberie. Vor þe mer was viniter, hii breke þe viniterie.
1428. E. E. Wills (1882), 77. Iohn Toker, Citezein and Vineter of London.
c. 1430. Lydg., Min. Poems (Percy Soc.), 192. The vintere tretethe of his holsom wynes, of gentille frute bostethe the gardener.
1486. Rec. St. Mary at Hill (1905), 10. Iohn Walworth, late Citezein & vynter of london.
Hence † Vinteress, Vintress, = VINTNERESS.
1681. Rycaut, trans. Gracians Critick, 111. The Nobles were served with Cups of Gold, which a pritty Nimph, the Vinteress of this Babylon, filled with much Courtesie.
1727. Bailey (vol. II.), Vintress, a Woman Tavern-keeper.