fiddlestick

American  

[fid-l-stik] / ˈfɪd lˌstɪk /

noun

1. anything; a bit.

   I don't care a fiddlestick for what they say.

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fiddlestick British  

/ ˈfɪdəlˌstɪk /

noun

1. informal a violin bow

2. any meaningless or inconsequential thing; trifle

3. an expression of annoyance or disagreement

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Etymology

Origin of fiddlestick

First recorded in 1400–50, fiddlestick is from the late Middle English word fidillstyk. See fiddle, stick ¹

Example Sentences

And this was the first time George Esmond Warrington, Esquire, was ever called a fiddlestick.

From The Virginians by Thackeray, William Makepeace

Truly the "fiddlestick" is a magic wand in more senses than one.

From The Bow, Its History, Manufacture and Use 'The Strad' Library, No. III. by Saint-George, Henry

Here follow fiddlestick, compounded of fiddle and stick, and warranted an English word by Hudibras; and Fiddle-string, s.

From Deformities of Samuel Johnson, Selected from his Works by Anonymous

I will not be an object of interest, and admiration, and fiddlestick to you; I will not submit to it.'

From Venetia by Disraeli, Benjamin, Earl of Beaconsfield

His arms seemed to keep his fiddlestick in motion without the least sympathy from their master.

From British Goblins Welsh Folk-lore, Fairy Mythology, Legends and Traditions by Sikes, Wirt