(game theory) An uncooperative or purely-selfish participant in an exchange or game, especially when untrusting, acquisitive or treacherous. Refers specifically to the Prisoner's Dilemma, alias the Hawk-Dove game.
“The hawker set up his stall at the bustling market, offering a wide range of trinkets and souvenirs to the tourists.”
“She was unable to carry out the simplest everyday chores and had had to abandon her previous job as a food hawker.”
“Hester Lockyear of Beacon Bay gets a lick from the Maltese terrier pup she rescued from a roadside hawker in Transkei.”
hawk
A plasterer's tool, made of a flat surface with a handle below, used to hold an amount of plaster prior to application to the wall or ceiling being worked on: a mortarboard.
“Boats shuttled to and fro, and the hawkings and peddlings of all sorts of wares helped to create an amazing scene of activity and prosperity.”
“The Hawkings and their friends in Cambridge showed little interest in fashion and pop music, although Jane was keen on minidresses and the latest hairstyles.”