Definition of "vender"

Can it be supposed, that a man of Dr. Hawkes-worth’s discretion and abilities would enter into an engagement of this nature, and make a purchase of such moment, without enquiring into the title of the vender?

1773, Stanfield Parkinson, preface to the Journal of his brother Sydney Parkinson's Endeavour voyage, page 18

[…] Tanee was accosted by certain good fellows, friends and boon companions, who condoled with him on his misfortunes—railed against the queen, and finally dragged him away to an illicit vender of spirits, in whose house the party got gloriously mellow.

1847 March 30, Herman Melville, “Queen Pomaree”, in Omoo: A Narrative of Adventures in the South Seas; […], London: John Murray, […], page 309