1. One who moves (a person or thing) forward or upward; a. physically (obs.); b. to higher rank or station (obs.); c. to a better or more advantageous condition; a promoter.
1538. Leland, Itin., I. 40. This old Mounsun is in a maner the first avauncer of his Family.
1548. Hall, Chron., Hen. VII., anno 11 (R.). Suche as haue bene ayders and auauncers of Perkyns foolishe enterprice.
1610. Holland, Camden’s Brit., I. 208. Revolting from King Edward his advancer most ingratefully.
1639. Fuller, Holy War, V. xxix. (1840), 295. Chiefest mover and advancer of this war.
1741. Middleton, Cicero (1742), III. § 10. 183. You will find me, not onely the favorer, but the advancer of your dignity.
1856. Emerson, Eng. Traits, 28. Navigation … is the most potent advancer of nations.
† 2. One who extols or lauds; an extoller, supporter. Obs.
a. 1546. Elyot, Lett., in Governour (1836), 286. The boasters and advancers of the pompous authority of the Bishop of Rome.
1656. Trapp, Expos. Rom. iv. 16 (1868), 497/1. Paul was a great advancer of the grace of God.
1677. Hale, Prim. Orig. Man., 10. The Supposition of Epicurus,… and his Advancer, Gassendus.
† 3. Rhet. Amplification, auxesis, or climax. Obs.
1589. Puttenham, Eng. Poesie (1869), 226. We call this figure by the Greeke originall the Auancer or figure of encrease because euery word that is spoken is one of more weight then another.
4. One who puts forth (a statement); an asserter.
1843. J. T. Coleridge, in Stanley, Life of Arnold, II. i. 20. A confident advancer of his own opinions.
5. One who gives (money) before it is legally due, or who lends it for any purpose.
a. 1733. North, Lives of Norths, III. 167. The goldsmiths, who gained by the melting trade, were advancers to the Treasury.
1748. Richardson, Clarissa (1811), VI. 363. She mistrusted, that I was the advancer of the money.
6. A second branch of a buck’s horn.
1496. Bk. of St. Albans, d ij. Two braunches fyrste pawmyd he must have And four avauncers.
1751. Chambers, Cycl., Advancer, among hunters, is one of the starts, or branches of a buck’s attire, between the back antler and the palm.
1827. Griffith, Cuvier’s Anim. Kingd., ii. 85. Additional advancers and spillers, or snags on the anterior and posterior parts of the palm.
