Naut. The iron framework round the deck opening that leads to the stoke-hole of a steamer; usually covered by a grating of iron bars; the space below this.
1881. Standard, 17 Nov., 2/3. The coverings of the fiddleys or openings to the stoke hole.
1885. Runciman, Skippers and Shellbacks, 1. A few men were crouching in the fiddley amid the clouds of rank steam that belched up from the stokehole.
1893. Westm. Gaz., 1 Feb., 4/2. They have had to sleep amidst the ‘fiddlies’ around the engine boilers.
