The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Informer \In*form"er\ ([i^]n*f[^o]rm"[~e]r), n. [From Inform,
v.]
1. One who informs, animates, or inspires. [Obs.] --Thomson.
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Nature, informer of the poet's art. --Pope.
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2. One who informs, or imparts knowledge or news.
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3. (Law) One who informs a magistrate of violations of law;
one who informs against another for violation of some law
or penal statute.
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Common informer (Law), one who habitually gives information
of the violation of penal statutes, with a view to a
prosecution therefor. --Bouvier. --Wharton.
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