1) The badger was an itinerant tradesman who bought corn and other commodities which he sold as he travelled around.
1551 William Burgh, Baggar, Woodkirk
1599 Gilbert Wimpenie, Dalton, badger
1642 that market is the quickest aboute 9 of the clocke ... because the badgers come farre, Malton. The word is on record from the thirteenth century as a by-name: 1297 Richard le bagger, Hipperholme and the verb ‘to badge’ may have developed as a back formation: 1607 for badging and buying corne contrary to the statute, Yarm
1677 William Gomersall of Tonge, getting his livelihood by badging of corn. The occupation was an element in minor place-names such as Badger Gate, Badger Lane, e.g. 1614 a yeate called badger yeate in Calton, Malham.