painter

Etymology 1

From paint + -er, influenced by Middle French paintre.

noun

1. An artist who paints pictures.
2. A laborer or workman who paints surfaces using a paintbrush or other means.

Etymology 2

Probably from Middle French pendeur.

noun

1. (obsolete) A chain or rope used to attach the shank of an anchor to the side of a ship when not in use.
2. (nautical) A rope that is attached to the bow of a dinghy, or other small boat, and used for tying up or towing.
   "Shove that [fat, wicker luncheon-basket] under your feet," he observed to the Mole, as he passed it down into the boat. Then he untied the painter and took the sculls again. 1908, Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows
   The dinghy was trailing astern at the end of its painter, and Merrion looked at it as he passed. He saw that it was a battered-looking affair of the prahm type, with a blunt snout, and like the parent ship, had recently been painted a vivid green. 1944, Miles Burton, chapter 5, in The Three Corpse Trick

Etymology 3

From a variation of panther, paralleling other Southern pronunciations for can't and aunt (see ain't for more details)

noun

1. (Southern US) A mountain lion.
   I have fou't most of the creatur's of the forest, such as bears, wolves, painters and catamounts, but this is the beginning with the red-skins. 1893, James Fenimore Cooper, The Deerslayer