fiddler
/ˈfɪdələ(ɹ)/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 2.83 in modern English
12
Scrabble Score
7
Letters
3
Syllables
6
Unique Chars
Meaning
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.
noun
The common European sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos); so called because it habitually wags its tail up and down resembling the back and forth movement of a fiddler.
Example Sentences
- "We were the self-controlled, cautious, nifty merchants, decorous fiddlers of accounts, hoarders of wealth, excellent bribers, family and community creatures governed by manners."
- "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."
- "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."
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.
Origin
Word Breakdown
- Root: fithelere, fiþelere
Usage
Subject
Wiktionary places this term in Music.
Inflected Forms
Phrases
bass fiddler
bull fiddler
drunk as a fiddler
fiddler crab
Fiddler on the Roof
Fiddler's Ferry
Hardanger fiddler
kiddy fiddler