fiddlestick

American  

[fid-l-stik] / ˈfɪd lˌstɪk /

noun

1. anything; a bit.

   I don't care a fiddlestick for what they say.

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fiddlestick British  

/ ˈfɪdəlˌstɪk /

noun

1. informal a violin bow

2. any meaningless or inconsequential thing; trifle

3. an expression of annoyance or disagreement

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Etymology

Origin of fiddlestick

First recorded in 1400–50, fiddlestick is from the late Middle English word fidillstyk. See fiddle, stick ¹

Example Sentences

His ears are perpetually drilled with a fiddlestick.

From Character Writings of the 17th Century by Various

"A viper—a fiddlestick," said Miss Sharp to the old lady, almost fainting with astonishment.

From Vanity Fair by Thackeray, William Makepeace

An' who d'ye think do work the fiddlestick?

From Poems of Rural Life in the Dorset Dialect by Barnes, William

The sheriff benignant; the turnkeys amused; the comic servant, obviously in liquor, brandishing his fiddlestick, and the orchestra playing "God save the Queen."

From M. or N. "Similia similibus curantur." by Whyte-Melville, G.J.

In his hands he clutched a fiddle and fiddlestick.

From The International Monthly, Volume 3, No. 1, April, 1851 by Various