or -dusters, -treaders, subs. (old).—1. Pedestrians out early in the morning, i.e., before the dew is off the ground.
1692. J. HACKET, Life of Archbishop Williams, i., 57. It is not equity at lust and pleasure that is moved for, but equity according to decrees and precedents foregoing, as the DEW-BEATERS have trod their way for those that come after them.
2. (common).—The feet. [An extension of sense 1.] For synonyms, see CREEPERS.
1811. GROSE and CLARKE, Lexicon Balatronicum, s.v.
1823. SCOTT, Peveril of the Peak, ch. xxxvi. First hold out your DEW-BEATERS till I take off the darbies. Is that usual? said Peveril, stretching out his feet.
3. (tramps’).—Shoes. [Cf., senses 1 and 2.] In Norfolk, heavy shoes for wet weather.—Forby.
