noun

1. Informal any stringed instrument played with a bow, esp. the violin
2. ☆ Slang a petty swindle
3. Naut. a frame or railing on a ship's table to keep dishes, etc. from sliding off in rough weather

Etymology: ME fithele < OE < VL *vitula < L vitulari, to rejoice: vi- (< IE *woi-, wi-, outcry > OE wi, Gr ia) + ? base of tollere, to raise, exalt

transitive verb fiddled -·dled, fiddling -·dling

1. Informal to play (a tune) on a fiddle
2. Slang to swindle in a petty way

intransitive verb

1. Informal to play a fiddle
2. to play or tinker (with), esp. in a nervous way