whiffler

1 of 2

noun (1)

whif·​fler ˈ(h)wi-flər 

British

: one that clears the way for a procession

whiffler

2 of 2

noun (2)

whif·​fler ˈ(h)wi-f(ə-)lər 

1

: a person who frequently changes opinions or course

2

: a person who uses shifts and evasions in argument

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

alteration of earlier wifler, from obsolete wifle battle-ax

Noun (2)

whiffle

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1539, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1