INTERLOPER, s. One in former days who traded without the license, or outside the service, of a company (such as the E.I.C.) which had a charter of monopoly. The etymology of the word remains obscure. It looks like Dutch, but intelligent Dutch friends have sought in vain for a Dutch original. Onderloopen, the nearest word we can find, means 'to be inundated.' The hybrid etymology given by Bailey, though allowed by Skeat, seems hardly possible. Perhaps it is an English corruption from ontloopen, 'to evade, escape, run away from.' [The N.E.D. without hesitation gives interlope, a form of leap. Skeat, in his Concise Dict., 2nd ed., agrees, and quotes Low Germ. and Dutch enterloper, 'a runner between.']
1627.—"Interlopers in trade, ¶ Attur Acad. pa. 54."—Minsheu. (What is the meaning of the reference?) [It refers to "The Atturneyes Academie" by Thomas Powell or Powel, for which see 9 ser. Notes and Queries, vii. 198, 392].
1680.—"The commissions relating to the Interloper, or private trader, being considered, it is resolved that a notice be fixed up warning all the Inhabitants of the Towne, not, directly or indirectly, to trade, negotiate, aid, assist, countenance, or hold any correspondence, with Captain William Alley or any person belonging to him or his ship without the license of the Honorable Company. Whoever shall offend herein shall answeare it at their Perill."—Notes and Exts., Pt. iii. 29.
1681.—"The Shippe Expectation, Capt. Ally Com̃andr, an Interloper, arrived in ye Downes from Porto Novo."—Hedges, Diary, Jan. 4; [Hak. Soc. i. 15].
[1682.—"The Agent having notice of an Interloper lying in Titticorin Bay, immediately sent for ye Councell to consult about it...."—Pringle, Diary of Ft. St. Geo. 1st ser. i. 69.]
" "The Spirit of Commerce, which sees its drifts with eagle's eyes, formed associations at the risque of trying the consequence at law ... since the statutes did not authorize the Company to seize or stop the ships of these adventurers, whom they called Interlopers."—Orme's Fragments, 127.
1683.—"If God gives me life to get this Phirmaund into my possession, ye Honble. Compy. shall never more be much troubled with Interlopers."—Hedges, Diary, Jan. 6; [Hak. Soc. i. 62].
" "May 28. About 9 this morning Mr. Littleton, Mr. Nedham, and Mr. Douglass came to ye factory, and being sent for, were asked 'Whether they did now, or ever intended, directly or indirectly, to trade with any Interlopers that shall arrive in the Bay of Bengall?'
"Mr. Littleton answered that, 'he did not, nor ever intended to trade with any Interloper.'
"Mr. Nedham answered, 'that at present he did not, and that he came to gett money, and if any such offer should happen, he would not refuse it.'