[f. SWASH v. + -ER1.] A swashbuckler; a blustering braggart or ruffian; Sc. a swaggerer, showy fellow. See also quot. 1866.

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1589.  [? Nashe], Almond for Parrat, Ded. 3. Neither must you thinke his worship is to pure to be such a swasher.

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1599.  Shaks., Hen. V., III. ii. 28. As young as I am, I haue obseru’d these three Swashers.

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1619.  A. Newman, Pleas. Vis., 30. I no blaspheming Roarer was, No Swasher, no Repent-too-late.

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1621.  Burton, Anat. Mel., I. ii. III. xv. 170. They cannot … make congies, which euery common swasher can doe.

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1821.  Scott, Kenilw., iii. Known for a swasher and a desperate Dick.

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1866.  Gregor, Banffsh. Gloss., Swasher, (1) a person of tall stature, and somewhat ostentatious manners. (2) Anything whatever large and attracting attention.

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1889.  T. Stoddart, Angling Songs, 300. Sic a swasher I ween Is rare to be seen.

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