Obs. In 1 wreʓere, 2 wreiere, 4 -er, wraier, 4–5 wreyer (4 wroyer), 5 -are; 5 wryer; 5 north. wrear. [OE. wréʓere (f. wréʓan WRAY v.1 + -ER1), = OFris. wreiere, wrôger (NFris. wröger), MDu. and older Flem. (Kilian) wroegher.] One who denounces, discloses or betrays; an accuser or betrayer.

1

c. 1000.  Ælfric, Hom., II. 336. Se ealda wreʓere cwæð, Buton ʓe forʓifon [etc.].

2

c. 1175.  Lamb. Hom., 57. Prud ne wreiere ne beo þu noht.

3

a. 1300.  Cursor M., 26709. He sal for-soth on domes-dai Haue wreiers [Fairf. wroyers).

4

c. 1320.  Sir Tristr., 3288. Þe wraiers þat weren in halle, Schamly were þai schende.

5

c. 1425.  Eng. Conq. Ireland, 102. He was onful & bakbyter, wreyer, false & traytur.

6

c. 1440.  Promp. Parv., 37/2. Blabbe or labbe, wreyare of cownselle,… futilis.

7

c. 1460.  [see WRAGGER].

8