Obs. Also 7 condor. [f. COND v.]
1. One who conds or cons a ship.
a. 1693. Urquhart, Rabelais, III. li. Ships … set a going at the Pleasure and arbitriment of their Rulers, Conders, and Steersmen.
1708. Kersey, Conder, one that gives Directions to the Stears-man, for the Guiding of a Ship.
1727–51. Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Cond, The word is either starboard or port the helm, according as the conder would have the helm put to the right or left side of the ship.
2. A man stationed on an eminence by the shore who signals to fishing-boats the direction taken by the shoals of herring or pilchards; a balker.
1603. Act Jas. I., c. 23. Diuers persons … called Balcors, Huors, Condors, Directors, or Guidors.
1607. Cowell, Interpr., Conders … stand upon high places near the sea coast, at the time of herring fishing, to make signs with bowghes, etc. unto the fishers.
1727–51. Chambers, Cycl., Conders.
1867. in Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk.
3. The raised place on which the conder stands. [Perhaps a local abbreviation or error.]
1754. T. Gardner, Hist. Dunwich, 163. A Conder was erected, whereon the Balkers stood to notify … to Fishermen at Sea, the Direction of the Herring Sholes.
