Also 6–8 expector. [f. as prec. + -ER1.]
1. One who expects (in senses of vb.); one who looks for a person or thing to arrive.
1584. R. Parsons, Copy of Letter, 107. Wher she is like by nature to out-liue the expector.
1610. Healey, St. Aug. Citie of God, 723. Hee [Christ] must … be desired of the expecters.
1670. Eachard, Cont. Clergy, Pref. I am not … any expecter of a Reign of nothing but Saints and Worthies.
1725. Swift, Corr., Wks. 1841, II. 575. These are not likely to be great expecters [Wks. ed. 1745 expectors] under your excellency’s administration.
1775. in Ash; whence in mod. Dicts.
2. Name of a religious sect (see quot.)
1645. Pagitt, Heresiogr. (ed. 4), 145. Many have wrangled so long about the Church, that at last they have quite lost it, and go under the name of Expecters and Seekers.
