Sailor Speak of the Week – Fiddle

Definition

Noun

• A rack or railing on the edges of a table, dresser, countertop, or stove.

Origin

Probably earlier than the 17th century.

Comments

There purpose of these is to keep dishes, cups, pots, pans, etc. from sliding off the table in rough seas. Early fiddles were often little stanchions with lines stretched taut between them like the strings of a fiddle (instrument).

References

Rogers, J.G. (1985). Origins of Sea Terms. Mystic Seaport Museum.