Obs. rare1. In quot. -liefe. [? f. FETCH vb. + LIFE.] ? A messenger sent to ‘fetch’ the soul of a dying person.

1

1583.  Stanyhurst, Æneis, IV. 486 (Arb.), 111.

        On thee turrets the skrich howle, lyke fetchliefe ysetled,
Her burial roundel dooth ruck, and cruncketh in howling.

2