[f. CLASH v. + -ER.]
1. One who or that which clashes or collides.
1606. J. Raynolds, Dolarneys Prim. (1880), 118. There might be heard, the hideous lumbring swasher, Vnequally consorting with the clasher.
1834. Planché, Brit. Costume, 4. The flat circular shields from their sonorous quality were called tarians or clashers.
a. 1845. Hood, Lament Toby, xvii. For sorrow I could stick myself, But conscience is a clasher.
† 2. Some kind of musical instrument. Obs.
1621. J. Lane, Tritons Trump., in Sqrs Tale (1887), Introd. 6. Bandoraes, orpharions, statelie grave, otherboes, classhers, sweetest of the thrave, and everie instrument of melodie.
3. Sc. A tale-bearer, a mischievous gossip.
1788. Picken, Poems (1813), II. 76 (Jam.). A tales are never held for fack, That clashers tell.