whiffler

whiffler
whiffler1
/hwif"leuhr, wif"-/, n.
1. a person who frequently shifts opinions, attitudes, interests, etc.
2. a person who is vacillating or evasive in an argument.
[1600-10; WHIFFLE + -ER1]
whiffler2
/hwif"leuhr, wif"-/, n. Hist.
an attendant who clears the way for a procession.
[1530-40; earlier wiffler armed attendant, equiv. to wiffle (var. of ME wifle, OE wifel battle-ax) + -ER1]

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  • Whiffler — Whif fler, n. [1913 Webster] 1. One who whiffles, or frequently changes his opinion or course; one who uses shifts and evasions in argument; hence, a trifler. [1913 Webster] Every whiffler in a laced coat who frequents the chocolate house shall… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • whiffler — [hwif′lər, wif′lər] n. [< WHIFFLE + ER] a person who vacillates or shifts position frequently in argument …   English World dictionary

  • whiffler — I. noun Etymology: alteration of earlier wifler, from obsolete wifle battle ax Date: 1539 British one that clears the way for a procession II. noun Etymology: whiffle Date: 1607 1. a person who frequently changes opinions or course …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • Whiffler — An attendant who carried a battle axe or spear; one who used a spear or staff to clear a way through a crowd. [< OldEngl. wifel = a javelin] …   Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases

  • whiffler — n. indecisive person; evasive person …   English contemporary dictionary

  • whiffler — whif·fler …   English syllables

  • whiffler — I. ˈ(h)wiflə(r) noun ( s) Etymology: alteration of earlier wifler, from obsolete English wifle battle ax (from Middle English, from Old English wifel dart, javelin) + English …   Useful english dictionary

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