whiffler

¹ American  

[hwif-ler, wif-] / ˈʰwɪf lər, ˈwɪf- /

noun

1. a person who frequently shifts opinions, attitudes, interests, etc.

2. a person who is vacillating or evasive in an argument.

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whiffler ² American  

[hwif-ler, wif-] / ˈʰwɪf lər, ˈwɪf- /

noun

History/Historical.

1. an attendant who clears the way for a procession.

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whiffler ¹ British  

/ ˈwɪflə /

noun

1. a person who whiffles

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whiffler ² British  

/ ˈwɪflə /

noun

1. archaic  an attendant who cleared the way for a procession

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Etymology

Origin of whiffler¹

First recorded in 1600–10; whiffle + -er ¹

Origin of whiffler²

First recorded in 1530–40; earlier wiffler “armed attendant,” equivalent to wiffle (variant of Middle English wifle, Old English wifel “battle-ax”) + -er ¹. The spelling with wh probably arose by asociation with whiff ¹ ( def. ).

Example Sentences

My wife and I had a great quarrel on this occasion; she pretended that he came only to give her some ribbons, as he had been a whiffler in the procession.

From Project Gutenberg

In his day he had been esteemed the most graceful whiffler in the world: now he used only the heavy sword, because he was himself grown heavy.

From Project Gutenberg

It represents a Dragon or monster with hideous jaws, supported by men concealed, all but their legs, within its capacious belly, and carried about in civic processions prior to the year 1835; even now it is seen on Guy Fawkes’ day, the 5th of November.—Whiffler:

From Project Gutenberg

Behold, the English beach Pales in the flood with men, with wives and boys, Whose shouts and claps out-voice the deep-mouthed sea, Which like a mighty whiffler 'fore the king Seems to prepare his way: so let him land, And solemnly see him set on to London.

From Project Gutenberg

“How long do you expect to stay?” asks Whiffler, with a half-sneer, watching Wade hanging a map and a print vis-à-vis.

From Project Gutenberg