[f. ASSURE v. + -ER1.]
1. He who, or that which, gives assurance.
1607. Hieron, Wks., I. 221. The conscience of my former course is the assurer … of my happinesse.
1650. Elderfield, Tythes, 43. Preserver, defender, assurer, protector of a man.
2. One who gives security or indemnifies in case of loss; an insurer or underwriter; = ASSUROR.
1827. Edin. Rev., XLV. 499. The real assurer … engages … he will … give him a certain sum for the policy.
1841. Mar. Insur. Policy, in Penny Cycl., XXI. 407/1. The adventures and perils which we the assurers are contented to bear.
1874. Policy of Neptune Mar. Insur. Co. By Agreement between the Assured and Assurer in this policy.
3. One who takes out a policy of assurance; one who insures his life. (A more recent use.)
1865. Spectator, 30 Sept., 1097. At age thirty-five, one out of one hundred … accepted assurers died.
1869. Daily News, 20 Aug., 4/3. There are now such old offices, very rich and most respectable, which, adhering to old tables, unfairly overcharge the prudent young assurer, to spare him who comes to them late in life.
