subs. (thieves’).—1. The gallows: also STIFLES: see LADDER and NUBBING CHEAT. Hence TO NAB THE STIFLER = to be hanged; TO QUEER THE STIFLER = to escape the rope.
1818. SCOTT, The Heart of Mid-lothian, xxiii. I think Handie Dandie and I may QUEER THE STIFLER for all that is come and gone.
2. (provincial).—A busybody (HALLIWELL).
3. (common).—A severe blow.
