Obs. One who deserves well (of another).
1617. A. Newman, Pleasures Vision, 32. Then well-deseruers well regarded Would be.
1622. F. Markham, Bk. War, I. vi. 22. This Reward of martiall excellence … extended fourth itselfe, euen to the lowest souldier in his Campe and meanest wel-deseruer.
1697. Dryden, Virg. Georg., Ded. The Court: A place of forgetfulness, at the best, for well deservers.
1709. Steele & Swift, Tatler, No. 79, ¶ 6. I shall think my self a Well-Deserver of the Church, in recommending all the dumb Clergy to the famous speaking Doctor at Kensington.
