/fid"l/ , n. , v. , fiddled, fiddling .
n.
1. a musical instrument of the viol family.
2. violin: Her aunt plays first fiddle with the state symphony orchestra.
3. Naut. a small ledge or barrier raised in heavy weather to keep dishes, pots, utensils, etc., from sliding off tables and stoves.
4. Brit. Informal. swindle; fraud.
5. fine as a fiddle , South Midland and Southern U.S. See fiddle (def. 6).
6. fit as a fiddle , in perfect health; very fit: The doctor told him he was fit as a fiddle. Also, as fit as a fiddle .
7. play second fiddle . See second fiddle .
v.i.
8. to play on the fiddle.
9. to make trifling or fussing movements with the hands (often fol. by with ): fiddling with his cuffs.
10. to touch or manipulate something, as to operate or adjust it; tinker (often fol. by with ): You may have to fiddle with the antenna to get a clear picture on the TV.
11. to waste time; trifle; dally (often fol. by around ): Stop fiddling around and get to work.
12. Brit. Informal. to cheat.
v.t.
13. to play (a tune) on a fiddle.
14. to trifle or waste (usually used with away ): to fiddle time away.
15. Bookbinding. to bind together (sections or leaves of a book) by threading a cord through holes cut lengthwise into the back.
16. Brit. Informal.
a. to falsify: to fiddle the account books.
b. to cheat: to fiddle the company out of expense money.
[ bef. 1000; ME; OE fithele (c. G Fiedel, D vedel, OHG fidula ) prob. vitula (cf. VIOL, VIOLA 1 ), perh. deriv. of L vitulari to rejoice ]