subs. (old).—1. A trifler; a careless, negligent, or dilatory person. [From FIDDLE, to trifle.]
1748. T. DYCHE, A New General English Dictionary (5 ed.), s.v.
2. (common).—A sharper; a cheat; also FIDDLE (q.v.).
3. (pugilistic).—A prize-fighter; one who depends more on activity than upon strength or ‘stay.’
4. (common).—A sixpence. [From the old custom of each couple at a dance paying the fiddler a sixpence. Cf., FIDDLER’S MONEY.]
1885. Household Words, 20 June, p. 155. Why a sixpence should be a ‘magpie’ it would be hard to say. A more easily explained name … is a FIDDLER. This probably from the old custom of each couple at a dance paying the fiddler sixpence, and, moreover ‘fiddler’s money’ is generally small money.
5. (common).—A farthing. For synonyms, see FADGE.
1885. Household Words, 20 June, p. 155. FIDDLER. This same word also does duty as an equivalent for a farthing.
