fiddle
UK[ˈfɪd.l̩]US[ˈfɪd.l̩]
n
a violin, especially when used to play folk music.
v
to move or touch something without a clear purpose, often because you are nervous or bored.
v
to act dishonestly in order to get money, or to change something dishonestly.
Etymology
the word 'fiddle' entered english from old english 'fiðele', which is related to old high german 'fidula' and middle dutch 'vedele'. these germanic terms are likely derived from a late latin word 'vitula', meaning a stringed instrument, which itself may have originated from the name of the roman goddess of joy, vitula. the semantic journey from a specific instrument name to its modern meanings is a classic example of generalization and pejoration; the verb sense of 'tinkering' or 'tampering' arose from the association of idle, seemingly purposeless movement with the act of playing the instrument, which then extended to dishonest manipulation.
Analysis
the word 'fiddle' is a simplex word of germanic origin. it is not productively formed from smaller, independent morphemes in modern english.
Examples
he played an old tune on his fiddle.
stop fiddling with the remote control and pay attention.
he was accused of fiddling his expense claims.