I. -plə(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French essamplaire, from Late Latin exemplarium — more at exemplar
1. obsolete : an original model or characteristic sample : archetype , example
Christ's baptism was the perfect sampler and pattern of ours — Daniel Featley
2.
a. : a practical example of needlework patterns ; especially : a piece of cloth with rows of different embroidery stitches worked across it
b. : a decorative square or rectangular piece of needlework typically having the alphabet, numbers, family names and dates, and a motto embroidered on it in various stitches as an example of skill
II. -p(ə)lə(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: sample (II) + -er
1. : one that collects or examines samples: as
a.
(1) : one that determines the quality of a product by testing samples taken from it
cotton sampler
grain sampler
(2) : one that prepares samples
the sampler extracts olives from the barrels for the inspector
b. : a customs inspector who compares samples of merchandise with discharge permits and endorses the permits if there are no discrepancies
c. : a mechanical device for obtaining a small quantity of something for testing or analysis
grab samplers … are designed to take a surface sample of the bottom — J.D.Isaacs
2.
a. : one that contains representative specimens or selections
a fiction sampler from the work of a notable … writer — Harvey Breit
cities became … samplers of the past styles of every country but our own — American Guide Series: Virginia
b. : a trial package or assortment intended to introduce a product to potential customers
a connoisseur's sampler containing small packets of six choice teas
each preparation has its … niche in the sampler — Phoenix Flame
3. : one engaged in statistical sampling
a sampler of public opinion
III. noun
: a synthesizer that reproduces recorded sounds