subs. (old).—(1) See quot. Also (2, HALLIWELL) = one who collected alms for lepers, or other incapables. Also (KENNETT) beggars of any kind.
1560–1. AWDELEY, The Fraternitye of Vacabondes, ‘XXV. Orders of Knaues,’ 12. PROCTOUR is he, that will tary long, and bring a lye, when his Maister sendeth him on his errand. This is a stibber gibber knaue, that doth fayne tales.
