[f. BANK sb.1 + -ER1.]
1. [Cf. F. banquier in same sense.] A ship employed in cod-fishing on the Bank of Newfoundland.
1666. Lond. Gaz., No. 107/1. Who in Crusing, lighted upon a French Banker which he took. Ibid. (1710), No. 4712/3. A French Banker of fourteen Guns, laden with Fish, arrived there from Newfoundland.
1769. in Falconer, Dict. Marine.
2. A laborer who makes banks of earth, ditches, etc. (Chiefly used in the eastern counties of England.)
1795. Gentl. Mag., 632. In the fen countries the labourers are denominated bankers.
a. 1821. in Times, 25 Aug. (1870), 4/6. A poor man, a witness in court, said, in answer to the same question [What he was?] ‘a banker.’ The Judge … remarked, ‘We cannot have any absurdity.’
1873. Peacock, in N. & Q., Ser. IV. XII. 274. Some ‘bankers’ who were engaged in widening a drain.
3. Hunting. A horse that can jump on and off field banks too large to be cleared. (Cf. fencer.)
Generally with qualification, as ‘In following the hounds in Devonshire, you must ride a good banker.’
4. (in Australia). A river full to the brim.
