subs. (nautical).—A plain prow as distinguished from a figure-head. Hence FIDDLE-HEADED = plain; ugly.
1833. MARRYAT, Peter Simple, III. iii. She has a d——d pretty run; but I hope Captain O’Brien will take off her FIDDLE-HEAD, and get one carved: I never knew a vessel do much with a FIDDLE-HEAD.
1854. WHYTE-MELVILLE, General Bounce, ch. v. ‘Zounds! you’ve broke it, you FIDDLE-HEADED brute!’ exclaimed a choleric voice…, startling the ladies most unceremoniously, and preparing them for the spectacle of a sturdy black cob trotting rebelliously down the farm road.
