subs. (common).—1.  A vendor of the last dying speeches, or confessions of criminals; a running patterer or stationer.

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  1738.  [From J. W. Jarvis and Son: Cat. No. 40, p. 38]. Ramble through London, containing observations on Beggars, Pedlars, Petticoat Pensioners, DEATH HUNTERS, Humours of the Exchange, etc., by a True-born Englishman [Title].

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  1851–61.  H. MAYHEW, London Labour and the London Poor, vol. I., 228. The latter include the ‘running patterers,’ or DEATH-HUNTERS; being men (no women) engaged in vending last dying speeches and confessions.

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  2.  (popular).—An undertaker. For synonyms, see COLD COOK.

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  d. 1814.  DIBDIN, ‘Ballad, in Will of the Wisp,’ iv.

        And e’en the DEATH HUNTER, in coffins who deals,
  Is, at last, hunted into a coffin.

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  1786.  GROSE, A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, s.v.

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