[f. as prec. -ER.]
1. One who or that which buttons (see BUTTON v. 2); a button-hook.
1611. Cotgr., Boutonneur, a Buttoner; or an instrument wherewith buttons are pulled through their ouer-strait holes.
1881. Grant, Confess. frivolous Girl, 68. The favors being silver glove-buttoners with mother-of-pearl handles.
b. fig. That which fastens or knits tightly.
1885. Wingfield, Barb. Philpot, III. i. 17. Gratitude is a buttoner of hearts.
2. One who sews buttons on garments.
1886. Pall Mall Gaz., 2 Aug., 6/2. 2s. 6d. for the aforesaid dozen shirts, which sum has to be divided between machinist, finisher, buttonholer, buttoner, ironer and folder.
3. Thieves’ cant. = BUTTON sb. 9.
1841. Blackw. Mag., L. 202. Buttoners are those accomplices of thimbleriggers … whose duty it is to act as flat-catchers or decoys, by personating flats.
1860. Cornh. Mag., II. 334. Enticer of another to play—buttoner.
