[f. CONFECTION v. + -ER1.] A maker of confections.
† 1. A compounder of medicines, poisons, etc.
1606. Holland, Sueton., 195. One Locusta … appeached and brought to light divers confectioners of poysons.
1651. R. Wittie, trans. Primrose’s Pop. Err., IV. xxxvi. 356. Pedling Quacksalvers, Mountibanks, Confectioners.
2. One who makes confections, sweetmeats, candies, cakes, light pastry, etc.; now, esp. one who makes such articles for public sale.
1591. Percivall, Sp. Dict., Confacionador, a confectioner.
1632. Massinger, City Madam, III. i. Most of the shops Of the best confectioners in London ransacked.
1727. Bradley, Fam. Dict., s.v. Confectioner, The confectioners and other officers in Quality’s houses ought to be diligent in keeping their sweetmeats in good order.
1848. Mill, Pol. Econ., I. iii. § 1. The confectioner who makes bonbons for the momentary pleasure of a sense of taste.
1871. H. Ainsworth, Tower Hill, III. vii. A host of purveyors, cooks, confectioners … and grooms of the stable, with led horses, were sent on.
1886. Hall Caine, Son of Hagar, I. iii. Two sisters who lived by keeping a small confectioner’s shop in Whitehaven.
fig. 1652. Benlowes, Theoph., I. lxvii. Natures prime Confectioner, the Bee.
1656. Earl Monm., Advt. fr. Parnass., 360. These unfortunate Confectioners cover over this scum of people with the sugar of honourable imployments.
