[f. BOW sb.1]

1

  1.  One who carries a bow.

2

a. 1600.  Rob. Hood (Ritson), II. xii. 70. Bow-bearer after mee.

3

  2.  An under-officer in a forest, who looked after trespasses affecting vert and venison.

4

1538.  Leland, Itin., VI. 95 § 4. Ther be 9. Kepers, to Raungers, a Bowberer, and the Lord Wardein.

5

1610.  Holland, Camden’s Brit., I. 723. Bowbearer to King William Rufus.

6

1820.  Scott, Monast., xviii. We will name this youth bowbearer in the forest granted to us by good King David.

7

1837.  Howitt, Rur. Life, V. ii. (1862), 377. This forest … has also two rangers, a bowbearer, and landwarden.

8