Chaucer, Prol

to Friar's Tale, 1. 19. Runner [of a gaming-house], one who is to get Intelligence of the Meetings of the Justices, and when the Constables are out. Bailey, 1731. He was called the Man of Peace on the same principle which a igns to constables, Bow-street runners , and such like, who carry bludgeons to break folk's heads, and are perpetually and officially employed in scenes sce of riot, the title of peace-officers. Scott , St. Ronan's Well, iii. For this their runners ramble day and night, To drag each lurking deep to open light.