[f. COMMIT + -ER1.] One who commits (a crime, etc.).
1535. Stewart, Cron. Scot., II. 275. Tha that wes committaris of the cryme.
1545. Brinklow, Lament., 10 b. As well … sufferers of such vices, as the committers.
a. 1617. Hieron, Wks., II. 291. Committers of all manner of vngodlinesse.
1752. Carte, Hist. Eng., III. 451. Any body that should … discover the devisers, counsellors, or committers of the king’s murder.
a. 1834. Lamb, Mor. & Pers. Deformity, Wks. 569. A real committer of a murder.
† b. absol. One who commits adultery or fornication. Obs. (Cf. COMMIT 6 c.)
1604. Dekker, Honest Wh., Wks. 1873, II. 36. If all your committers stood in ranke They’d make a lane (in which your shame might dwell) … from hence to hell.
