What is a "Bounder" ??? Pls read on:

This is from the Fellowship Of THe Ring
Chapter 2 Shadows Of THe Past page 48

"All the same,"said Sam,"you cant deny that others besides our Halfast have seen queer folk crossing the Shire-crossing it mind you:there are more that are turned back at the borders.The Bounders have never been so busy before.

Now my question is who or what are the Bounders ???? pls help me by answering the question thank you [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]