pepperer (peperer)

[ One who deals in pepper; hence, a grocer. In the nineteenth year of Edward III. (A. D. 1345), a part of the Pepperers had separated themselves from their old Gild, and had formed a society of their own. English Gilds (E. E. T. S.), Int., p. cxxiii. The pepperer formed an important member of the community in England during the Middle Ages, when a large proportion of the food consumed was salted meat, and pepper was in high request as a seasoner. S. Dowell , Taxes in England, IV. 35. On June 12, 1345, a number of pepperers , as the grocers were then styled, met together at dinner by agreement. The Century , XXXVII. 12. 2. A person of a hot, peppery temper. Dickens. [Colloq. or humorous.]