1. One who encloses; esp. one who appropriates common land (see ENCLOSE v. 1 b). Also fig.
1597. J. Knewstub, Confutation, 596. The number of his perfect ones are become inclosers, and haue taken in this heauen.
a. 1616. Beaum. & Fl., Scornful Lady, II. iii. Thanks to my dear incloser, Master Morecraft.
1633. G. Herbert, Temple, Ch. Porch, iv. if God had laid all common, certainly Man would have been th’ incloser.
1633. Massinger, New Way, &c. IV. i. They call me … grand encloser Of what was common.
1857. Toulmin Smith, Parish, 468. The encloser would appropriate a permanent personal advantage.
1885. Spectator, 18 July, 950/2. The rescue of Epping Forest from the enclosers.
† 2. transl. L. clusor (Vulg.), a literal rendering of Heb. masgēr ‘one who closes,’ a smith. Obs. rare–1.
1382. Wyclif, 2 Kings xxiv. 16. He ladde in to caytifte fro Jerusalem … craftise men, and enclosers, a thousand.
