1562. Bp. Hooper (title), An apologye … against the … report that he should be a maintainer and encorager of suche as cursed the Quenes highnes.
1563. Foxe, A. & M. (1596), 72/2. To which notable thing and great force of faith, Mauritius himselfe was a great incourager.
1608. Topsell, Serpents, 4. My Worshipfull good friend, and daily encourager vnto all good labours.
1738. Daily Post, 17 Aug. Mary-le-Bonne Gardens, Mr. Gough begs leave … to return the encouragers of his Musical Entertainment thanks.
1777. Watson, Philip II. (1839), 125. They were considered as fomenters of the tumults, and encouragers of heresy.
1844. H. H. Wilson, Brit. India, III. 209. He was an encourager of letters and the arts.
