Forms: 6 couson-, coosen-, cosson-, cousen-, 6–7 cosen-, cosin-, 7 couzen-, cozon-, cos’ner, coz’ner. [f. COZEN v. + -ER.] A deceiver, cheat, impostor.

1

1561.  Awdelay, Frat. Vacab., 3. The company of cousoners and shifters.

2

1587.  Golding, De Mornay, xxx. 474. Magicians and deceitfull Cooseners.

3

1592.  Greene, Art Conny Catching, III. 31. Such a number of Connycatchers, Cassoners and such like.

4

1611.  Shaks., Wint. T., IV. iv. 256. There are Cozeners abroad.

5

1670.  Dryden, Tyran. Love, V. i. Know, fair Coz’ner, that I know the Cheat.

6

1702.  Rowe, Tamerl., IV. i. 1575. Nor will I listen to the Cos’ner, Hope.

7

1815.  Scott, Guy M., iii. It is the resource of cheaters, knaves, and cozeners.

8