subs. (Irish).—1. A Methodist (GROSE). Hence spec. (2) those who in winter play the Protestant, for the sake of the blankets, coals, etc., given by proselytisers. Also (3), in America, a street preacher, spec. (American thieves’) a preaching confederate.
1820. SOUTHEY, Life of Wesley, ii. 153. It happened that Cennick, preaching on Christmas Day, took for his text these words from St. Luke’s Gospel, ‘And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling-clothes, lying in a manger.’ A Catholic who was present, and to whom the language of Scripture was a novelty, thought this so ridiculous that he called the preacher a SWADDLER in derision.
1845. COKE and MOORE, Life of Wesley, 288. Butler and his mob were now in higher spirits than ever; they scoured the streets day and night, frequently hallooing as they went along, ‘Five pounds for a SWADDLER’S head!’
1889. The Academy, 11 May, 317. To revive Sir W. Petty’s colony by importing northern Presbyterians and Cornish ‘SWADDLERS.’
