[f. CHALLENGE v. + -ER1.] One who challenges, in various senses: spec. † a. An accuser; a plaintiff, claimant. Obs.
[1292. Britton, I. xvi. § 3. Et la chose soit deliveré au chalengeour.]
1382. Wyclif, Job xxxv. 9. For the multitude of chalengeres [1388 fals chalengeris; Vulg. calumniatorum] thei shul crie.
c. 1449. Pecock, Repr., V. xiv. 559. If the chalenger wole contynue in his chalenging.
1600. Holland, Livy, III. xliv. 117. The plaintife or challenger [petitor] declareth against her.
1612. Brerewood, Lang. & Relig., xxv. 217. The other challenger of the same dignity.
1839. Stonehouse, Axholme, 144. If the challenger could neither ascertain his property, nor prove his accusation.
b. One who defies; one who calls upon another to fight, or to any trial or contest.
1511. in Ellis, Orig. Lett., II. lx. I. 181. It shall be lefull for the iiij chalengers to enter the felde the seconde daye.
1600. Shaks., A. Y. L., I. ii. 180. Haue you challeng’d Charles the Wrastler? No faire Princesse: he is the generall challenger.
1622. Rowlands, Good Newes & Bad, F 2. I … challenge thee to meet on Callis sand…. This challenge past, the challenger at Douer, Imbarks for Callis.
1697. Collier, Ess. Mor. Subj., I. (1709), 140. The Challenger is punished as well as the Challenged.
1854. Emerson, Lett. & Soc. Aims, Eloquence, Wks. (Bohn), III. 187. He is the challenger, and must answer all comers.
