Haberdasher—Martinet

Can any of your correspondents suggest an etymology for the word *haberdasher*? I ought, perhaps, to say that I am acquainted with the derivations propounded by Mr. Richardson, but consider them all unsatisfactory. While on the subject, I would also ask if Mr. Richardson's *Dictionary* is considered the best source extant of information on English etymology, because I cannot help thinking that it has very many faults and deficiencies. The very word, for instance, on the derivation of which your valuable correspondent MR. FORBES offered a suggestion in No. 38., viz. *Martinet*, I had in vain so…