or scowrer, subs. (old).—1. ‘Drunkards, beating the Watch, breaking Windows, clearing the Streets, &c. (B. E.: also GROSE): whence (2) a night-thief. Hence TO SCOUR THE STREETS = to act riotously.
c. 1700. W. DARREL, The Gentlemen Instructed, 491 [10 ed., 1732]. He spurr’d to London, and left a thousand Curses behing him. Here he struck up with Sharpers, SCOURERS, and Alsatians.
1712. STEELE, Spectator, 324. Bullies and SCOWERERS of a long standing.
1712. GAY, Trivia, iii. 325.
| Who has not heard the SCOWERER’S midnight fame? | |
| Who has not trembled at the Mohock’s name? |
