whiffler

noun5

1. •
   (dialect, US) The goldeneye (duck of the genus Bucephala).
2. •
   (no longer used) One who whiffles, or frequently changes their course or opinion.
3. •
   (no longer used) One who argues evasively; a trifler.
4. •
   (no longer used) An officer who went before a procession to clear the way, by blowing a horn or otherwise; hence, any person who marched at the head of a procession; a harbinger.

   • [...] Men, Wiues and Boyes, / Whose shouts & claps out-voyce the deep-mouth'd Sea, / Which like a mightie Whiffler 'fore the King, / Seems to prepare his way: [...] — 1599
5. •
   (no longer used) One who plays on a whiffle; a fifer or piper.