BANKER, a dealer in credit ; one who operates a bank or banking house through the use of the credit and funds of both himself and others. The term is often used in a very broad and loose sense to apply to capitalists, financiers, investment bankers, commercial paper bankers, stock brokers, and even the officials and higher employees of banks. Strictly, however, it should apply only to the credit merchant when he uses the credit and funds of others. If he uses only his own credit and funds he is a capitalist; if he engages in the organization and financing of businesses and the handling of their securities he may be a financier, promoter, or broker (q.v.) ; if he is president, cashier, or other official of a bank he is a bank officer. In most States the word "banker" legally means a private bank as distinguished from an incorporated bank, to which the legal term "bank" is applied. (See BANKING AND CREDIT.)