searcher

noun

1. One who searches.

   “When he had repoſed four years and four months in the boſom of care, rocked in the cradle of proſperity, he was brought forth, according to the cuſtom of true believers, and committed to the charge of moralifts of high fame, poliſhers of noble manners, and ſearchers of true knowledge, that they might cultivate his heaven-born genius, and teach him with dignity to rule that world which he was born to command[.]”

2. (UK, historical)An officer in London appointed to examine the bodies of the dead, and report the cause of death.

   “The Searchers hereupon (who are ancient Matrons, sworn to their Office) repair to the place where the dead Corps lies”

3. (UK, historical)An officer who apprehended idlers on the street during church hours in Scotland.
4. A customs officer responsible for searching ships, merchandise, luggage, etc.
5. (UK, obsolete)An inspector of leather.

   “62. Leather Searcher and Sealer, functions of. The offices of Leather Searcher and Sealer are united in one person. He examines and seals all hides and leather, receiving some small fees of the parties for so doing, but has no salary or perquisites from the corporation.”

   “Means adopted by tanners to evade the searcher's and sealer's inspection”

   “THE OATH OF SEARCHERS AND SEALERS OF LETHER ^([sic]). You & eu'y of you shall well & truly view & search all & eu'y tanned hide skinne or Leather which shall be brought to any faire or m'kett within the p'cincts of the towne of Louth […]”

   “In 1362 William Drydale was the elected ale-taster, a manorial office like that of the leather searcher or pinder.”

6. (historical)An instrument for examining the bore of a cannon, to detect cavities in its surface.
7. An implement for sampling butter.
8. A sieve or strainer.
9. (historical)An instrument for feeling after calculi in the bladder, etc.