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writer

1. One who writes, or has written; a scribe; a clerk. They [came] that handle the pen of the writer. (Judg. V. 14) My tongue is the pen of a ready writer. (Ps. Xlv. 1)

2. One who is engaged in literary composition as a profession; an author; as, a writer of novels. This pitch, as ancient writers do report, doth defile. (Shak)

3. A clerk of a certain rank in the service of the late East india Company, who, after serving a certain number of years, became a factor. Writer of the tallies, a painful spasmodic affection of the muscles of the fingers, brought on by excessive use, as in writing, violin playing, telegraphing, etc. Called also scrivener's palsy. Writer to the signet. See Signet.

Origin: AS. Writere.