[f. TWIRL v.1 + -ER1.] One who or that which twirls.
In quot. 1827, a decoy for larks, consisting of a curved piece of wood set with small mirrors, mounted on a spindle and turned by a string.
1808. Sporting Mag., XXXII. 134. The twirler is usually some gay youth … he whirls his came in the air by means of a ribbon.
1827. J. H. H., in Hone’s Every-day Bk., II. 93/1. The fascination of the twirler is so strong … After being fired at several times they [larks] return to the twirler.
1828. Miss Mitford, Village, Ser. III. 214. An household … that should shame all the twirlers of mops and brandishers of brooms in the county.
a. 1891. Tribune Bk. of Sports, 81. (Cent.). Critics [in base-ball] are still looking for the pitcher par excellence…. Their ideal twirler of the diminutive globe has not yet made his appearance.
