noun, verb, -dled, -dling.| 1. | a musical instrument of the viol family. |
| 2. | violin: Her aunt plays first fiddle with the state symphony orchestra. |
| 3. | Nautical. a small ledge or barrier raised in heavy weather to keep dishes, pots, utensils, etc., from sliding off tables and stoves. |
| 4. | British Informal. swindle; fraud. |
| 5. | to play on the fiddle. |
| 6. | to make trifling or fussing movements with the hands (often fol. by with): fiddling with his cuffs. |
| 7. | 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. |
| 8. | to waste time; trifle; dally (often fol. by around): Stop fiddling around and get to work. |
| 9. | British Informal. to cheat. |
| 10. | to play (a tune) on a fiddle. |
| 11. | to trifle or waste (usually used with away): to fiddle time away. |
| 12. | Bookbinding. to bind together (sections or leaves of a book) by threading a cord through holes cut lengthwise into the back. |
| 13. | British Informal.
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| 14. | fine as a fiddle, South Midland and Southern U.S. fiddle (def. 15). |
| 15. | 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. |
| 16. | play second fiddle. second fiddle. |