[f. FIX v. + -ER1.]
1. One who fixes.
1885. Instr. to Census Clerks, 69. [Workmen employed in the] Dye-House: Fixer, Dunger, Washer. Ibid., 95. [Workmen in the Zinc Trade] Fixer.
1889. Amer. Mission., Dec., 363. Scholars wonder at a nation [China] of heathen with whom learning determines rank, and where the ‘boss’ and the fixer of elections are unknown.
1892. Daily Chron., 28 April, 8/1. Blind Fixers wanted.
2. Something used for fixing (a volatile substance, a drawing, a colour or dye.)
1849. Johnston, Exper. Agric., 129. Experiments with gypsum as a fixer of ammonia.
1882. Hamerton, Graphic Arts, 123. The fixer [for charcoal drawing] … is simply a very weak solution of gum-lac in spirits of wine.
1885. Westmld, Gaz., 13 June, 8/6. The albumen … is used as the fixer of bright aniline dyes in calicoes.
