fiddler

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   One who fiddles; a cheat.

   We were the self-controlled, cautious, nifty merchants, decorous fiddlers of accounts, hoarders of wealth, excellent bribers, family and community creatures governed by manners.

2. 2
   noun

   One who fiddles or tweaks.

   The community of radio amateurs—trespassing fiddlers on the cutting edge of technological possibilities—prefigured the geek community that was to inhabit Silicon Valley 50 years later.

3. 3
   noun

   The capstan-house on a steamer.

   Whereupon you shake hands with him […] and make room for him by your side in the "Fiddler," when the pleasant time of night is come, and the stewardess is tucking up the ladies, and putting oranges and other goodies under their pillows, and the menfolk assemble in the capstan house to smoke their last cigar.

4. 4
   noun

   an unskilled person who tries to fix or mend

5. 5
   noun

   someone who manipulates in a nervous or unconscious manner

6. 6
   noun

   a musician who plays the violin

7. 7
   noun

   One who plays the fiddle.

8. 8
   noun

   A burrowing crab of the genus Gelasimus, of many species. The male has one claw very much enlarged, and often holds it in a position similar to that in which a musician holds a fiddle.

Etymology

From Middle English fithelere, from Old English fiþelere, from *fiþele. By surface analysis, fiddl(e) + -er. * (capstan-house): So called because the fiddle would sometimes be played to cheer the sailors working there.