[f. SWITCH v. + -ER1.] One who or that which switches, in any sense: spec. a. A switch or slender rod used as a whip; also, a person who wields a switch. b. A switching-engine. c. An angler who ‘switches’: see SWITCH v. 3.
1847. Halliwell, Switcher, a small switch. North.
1852. Burn, Naval & Milit. Dict. (1863), Switcher, aiguilleur.
1882. Sun, 14 May, 6/6. The switcher [sc. engine] came with a rush.
1893. J. Grant, in Westm. Gaz., 25 Feb., 8/1. One of the best old Spey fishers was my father,… who had the reputation of being a crack switcher.
