DCHP-1 Online
shaver † Slang, Hist. 
n. a person who discounted notes, usually at excessive interest.
See also: shave (def. 2)
- 1836 It is said that . . . discounts at the ordinary rates are but sparingly granted, the shavers, many of whom are Directors . . . are amply supplied with funds, which they lend out at the enormous interest of four or five percent. per month. . . .
- 1841 During all this time Brokers were in demand and Shavers made their harvest.
- 1946 The Albertans fought the "St. James Street gang" as dauntlessly as the people of Upper Canada, a century before, had fought the "Montreal shavers."
- 1836 It is said that . . . discounts at the ordinary rates are but sparingly granted, the shavers, many of whom are Directors . . . are amply supplied with funds, which they lend out at the enormous interest of four or five percent. per month. . . .