Dictionary entry

Tinker

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Tink″er (?), n. [From Tink, because the tinker's way of proclaiming his trade is to beat a kettle, or because in his work he makes a tinkling noise. Johnson.] 1. A mender of brass kettles, pans, and other metal ware. “Tailors and tinkers.” Piers Plowman.

2. One skilled in a variety of small mechanical work.

3. (Ordnance) A small mortar on the end of a staff.

4. (Zoöl.) (a) A young mackerel about two years old. (b) The chub mackerel. (c) The silversides. (d) A skate.

5. (Zoöl.) The razor-billed auk.