fiddler

Meanings

1. One who plays the fiddle.
2. One who fiddles; a cheat.
3. One who fiddles or tweaks.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. A large species of cicada, Macrotristria angularis, of eastern Australia; cherry nose.
7. A coin of little value: a sixpence or a farthing.
8. The capstan-house on a steamer.

1. A surname originating as an occupation.

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.