Obs. or dial. [f. ALE- 4 + DRAPER, perhaps originally jocular, in allusion to linen-draper, etc.] An alehouse-keeper.
1655. R. Younge, Charge agst. Drunk., 13. These godlesse Ale-drapers, and other sellers of drink.
1743. Lond. & Country Brewer, IV. (ed. 2), 300. Most of our Brewers and Ale-Drapers care not what horrid Stuff they prepare and vend.
1747. in Parish Reg. of Scotter, Linc. [Buried] July 8th Thomas Broughton, Farmer and Ale Draper.
1855. Atkinson, Whitby Gloss., Ale-draper, an alehouse keeper, or publican; a term now obsolete.
