Now Hist. [f. prec. sb. + DRAPER sb.] A dealer in woollen goods.
1554. Act 1 & 2 Phil. & Mary, c. 7 § 1. Lynnen Drapers, Woollen Drapers, Haberdashers and Grocers.
1619. Purchas, Microcosmus, lv. 521. The Woollen Draper hath belonging to him, the Dier, Cottoner, Sherman, Fuller [etc.].
1641. Earl Monm., trans. Biondi’s Civil Wars, VI. 24. The Company of Wollen-drapers kept a Store-house in Calleis, from whence the Low-countries, and all Germany were furnished.
1749. Fielding, Tom Jones, XI. v. I can neither live on Hopes or Promises, nor will my Woollen-draper take any such in Payment.
1815. Jane Austen, Emma, xxi. Ford’s was the principal woollen-draper, linen-draper, and haberdasher’s shop united.
1890. Gross, Gild Merch., II. 55. The trades of clothiers, weavers, woollen-drapers.
So Woollen-drapery, woollen goods; also, a shop for the sale of these.
1688. Lond. Gaz., No. 2322/4. All sorts of Woollen Drapery.
1766. Entick, London, IV. 40. Dealers in upholstery,… woollen drapery.
1919. Jrnl. Friends Hist. Soc., XVI. 141. He married off two daughters, to Daniel Dunbabin, of Warrington, of a substantial woollen-drapery, and to William Morris [of Ashton ?] another minister.
