toper

[ toh-per ]

/ ˈtoʊ pər /

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noun Literary.

a habitual drinker of alcohol who is frequently intoxicated; a heavy drinker.

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The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.

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Origin of toper

First recorded in 1665–75; tope¹ + -er¹

If you knew a toper was to be offered as much free whisky as he could drink, you would be sure he would not come home sober.
God and my Neighbour|Robert Blatchford
"Let him alone," said an old toper; and Griffith remained a good hour with his head on the table.
The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 17, No. 101, March, 1866|Various
He once challenged a noted English toper and gave him a glass a bottle; the victory was easily his, for he disposed of a dozen.
Vie de Bohme|Orlo Williams
Out of the gray twilight a toper lurched up to the gate on which I leant, and, steadying himself, momentarily peered into my face.
Tales of Northumbria|Howard Pease

"Any one would think you were a reformed toper, to hear you talk," he said, with a trace of a sneer.
Frank Merriwell's Chums|Burt L. Standish