sheep-biter

Definitions

1. A sheepdog that worries (chases or attacks) sheep.
   obsolete
2. A contemptible person, especially one who practices petty thefts.
   derogatory, figuratively, obsolete

Examples

“What curre will not bawle, & be ready to flye on a mans face⟳, when he is set⟳ on by his master, who, if hee bee not by to encourage⟳ him, he casts his taile betwixt his legges, & steales away like⟳ a sheepe byter.”

“His gait, like⟳ a sheep-biter, fleering aside”

“A poor man has but one ewe, and this grandee sheep-biter leaves whole flocks of fat wethers, whom he may knock⟳ down, to deuour this.”

“Wouldst thou not be glad to have⟳ the niggardly, / rascally sheep-biter come⟳ by some notable / shame?”

“There are Political Sheep-biters as well as Pastoral; Betrayers of Publick Trusts as well as of Private; And Humane Curs that are as Wolvish as the Other.”

CEFR level