subs. (old).—See quot. [At one time it was illegal to carry wool or sheep out of the country: OWLING was repealed by 3 Geo. IV. c 107.]
c. 1696. B. E., A New Dictionary of the Canting Crew, s.v. OWLERS, those who privately in the Night carry Wool to the Sea-Coasts, near Rumney-Marsh in Kent, and some Creeks in Sussex, etc. and Ship it off for France against Law.
1785. GROSE, A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, s.v.
