Interloper

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ɪntəˈləʊpÉ™/

Origin

1590s, from - + loper("runner, rover"), as in landloper ("vagrant") (from Dutch) or lope ("to leap, to jump") (originally dialectical). Originally spelt enterloper and used in specific sense “unauthorized trader trespassing on privileges of chartered companies”, later general sense of “self-interested intruder” from 1630s.

Online Etymology Dictionary

Full definition of interloper

Noun

1. (obsolete) An unlicensed or illegitimate trader.
2. One who interferes, intrudes or gets involved where not welcome, particularly a self-interested intruder.They disliked the interloper, and forced him to leave.

Related terms

• interlope
• lope