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whiffler
1[ hwif-ler, wif- ]
noun
- a person who frequently shifts opinions, attitudes, interests, etc.
- a person who is vacillating or evasive in an argument.
whiffler
2[ hwif-ler, wif- ]
noun
, History/Historical.
- an attendant who clears the way for a procession.
whiffler
1/ ˈwɪflə /
noun
- archaic.an attendant who cleared the way for a procession
whiffler
2/ ˈwɪflə /
noun
- a person who whiffles
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Word History and Origins
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 ).
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Word History and Origins
Origin of whiffler1
C16: from wifle battle-axe, from Old English wifel, of Germanic origin; the attendants originally carried weapons to clear the way
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Example Sentences
The ‘whiffler’ was the official sword-flourisher of the Corporation.
From Project Gutenberg
In any show he will be one, though he be but a whiffler or a torch-bearer, and bears down strangers with the story of his actions.
From Project Gutenberg
Superintendent Whiffler came over, by-and-by, to see his successor.
From Project Gutenberg
Mr. Whiffler sighs, ‘these children, Saunders, make one quite an old man.’
From Project Gutenberg
At length Mrs. Whiffler is heard to say, ‘Mr. Saunders, shall I give you some pudding?’
From Project Gutenberg
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