▪ I. ˈriffler1
[ad. F. rifloir (16th c. in Godef.), f. rifler to scrape, file (see rifle v.1).]
A tool with a curved file-surface at each end, used by sculptors, metal-workers, and wood-carvers.
| 1797 Nemnich Polyglot Lex. 665 Rifflers, Riffeleisen. 1846 Holtzapffel Turning II. 837 The rifflers, used by sculptors, are required to be of numerous curvatures, to adapt them to the varying contour of works in marble. 1875 T. Seaton Fret-Cutting 54 The wood may be taken down by a file or a riffler, which is a carver's bent file. |
▪ II. ˈriffler2
[Cf. riffle v. 2 c.]
1. A scuffling-plough or horse-hoe. dial.
| 1811 Marshall Review III. 379 An enemy to the plow!—a friend to the ‘scuffler’,—‘riffler’,—‘scarifier’,—‘whiffler’. |
2. A trough or sluice containing one or more upright boards to divide or retard the flow through it.
| 1850 N. Kingsley Diary 17 May (1914) 122 Stoped down to day and made a panning trough to pour quicksilver from the riffler into. 1924 E. C. Tucker et al. Manuf. Pulp & Paper IV. vi. 24 Rifflers, or sand traps, are wood troughs through which the stock flows from the regulating box to the screens. Ibid. 25 The riffler is divided into two runs by the central dividing board. 1963 R. R. A. Higham Handbk. Papermaking ii. 67 With rifflers and sand tables the stock is passed at approximately 0·5% consistency along narrow channels in the base of which are felt-covered boards which are set at right angles to the flow of stock. |
▪ III. riffler
obs. variant of rifler1.