fiddles

Noun

fiddle (plural fiddles)

1. A violin, a small unfretted stringed instrument with four strings tuned (lowest to highest) G-D-A-E, usually held against the chin, shoulder, chest or on the upper thigh and played with a bow (see also usage notes below).
   • ...Of harpe & of salteriun. of fiðele & of coriun...c. 1275, Layamon, Brut, Cotton Caligula A.IX, l. 3490
2. (proscribed, usually) Any of various other bowed stringed instruments, particularly those of the violin family when played non-classically.
   • The fiddle of these early times, however, was the viol and not our modern violin.1864, William Sandys et al., The History of the Violin..., page 38
3. A violinist, or fiddler, in a band.
   • He is first fiddle in the band.
4. A dock (Rumex pulcher) with leaves supposed to resemble the musical instrument.
5. A long pole pulled by a draft animal to drag loose straw, hay, etc.
6. A rack for drying pottery after glazing.

See all 20 meanings of fiddle