Definition of "tapster"
tapster
noun
plural tapsters
(archaic) One whose business is to tap or draw ale or other liquor.
Quotations
[…] A tapster is a good trade: an old cloak makes a new jerkin; a withered serving-man a fresh tapster.
c. 1597 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merry Wiues of Windsor”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act I, scene iii]
There is a Twin-brother to this Falſe-galloper, and hee cheats Inne-keepers onely, or their Tapſters, by learning firſt what Country-men they are, and of what kindred: and then bringing counterfeit letters of commendations from ſuch an Vncle, or ſuch a Coozen (wherein is requeſted, that the Bearer thereof may bee vſed kindely) […]
1609, Thomas Dekker, “Lanthorne and Candle-light. Or, The Bell-man’s Second Nights-walke. […] The Second Edition, […]: Jacke in a Boxe. […]”, in Alexander B[alloch] Grosart, editor, The Non-dramatic Works of Thomas Dekker. […] (The Huth Library), volume III, London, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire: […] [Hazell, Watson, & Viney] for private circulation only, published 1885, pages 292–293
About the second watch a general complaint of drought was made, both by the prisoner and his keepers. Among whom it was at last agreed that the constable should remain on duty, and the young fellow call up the tapster; in which disposition the latter apprehended not the least danger, as the constable was well armed, and could besides easily summon him back to his assistance, if the prisoner made the least attempt to gain his liberty.
1743, Henry Fielding, chapter XVI, in The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews, and His Friend Mr. Abraham Adams. […], 3rd edition, volume I, London: […] A[ndrew] Millar, […]