Falconry. Also astr-, ostr-. [Also spelt ostringer, a corruption of earlier ostregier, ostreger, a. OF. ostruchier, austruchier (autrucier, autoursier):—late L. *austurcārius, f. austurcus, also austorius, ostorius, in OF. hostur, ostour, now autour, the goshawk. For corruption of ostreger to ostringer, austringer, cf. messenger, passenger, porringer, etc.] A keeper of goshawks. See also OSTRINGER.
1486. Bk. St. Albans, b v b. They be calde Ostregeris that kepe Goshawkys, or Tercellis.
1575. G. Turberville, Falconrie, 63. Falconers and Ostregers.
1601. Shaks., All’s Well, V. i. (Stage direction) Enter a gentle astringer.
1670–1717. Blount, Law Dict., s.v. Austurcus, We usually call a Faulkoner who keeps that kind of Hawks, an Ostringer.
1695. Kennett, Par. Antiq., ix. 117. Sent beyond sea with the Kings Austringers and Falconers.
