ETYM Dutch zoetelaar, OD. soetelaar, a small trader, especially in camps, from soetelen to undertake low offices; cf. German sudeln to do dirty work, to sully, soil, Eng. suds.
A supplier of victuals or supplies to an army; SYN. victualer, victualler, provisioner.
One who sells liquor or provisions to soldiers.
Camp-follower vending provisions.