A black snake.
1838. A black snake, about seven foot long, having a white throat, and of the kind which the people there [of Connecticut] call runners or choking-snakes.—Dr. Todd of Vt., in R. M. Bird’s ‘Peter Pilgrim,’ i. 223 (Phila.). (Italics in the original.)
1855. Push forward, quick as runner (black snake) when I say ‘Now’s de time for shaking de rheumatic out ob de legs.’—W. G. Simms, ‘The Forayers,’ p. 456–7 (N.Y.). (Italics in the original.)
