Definition of "bull-fiddle" [bull-fiddle]

• A device consisting of a tin can with a string so inserted that when it is twanged a harsh, noisy tone is produced. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "One of the men tapped the belly of a double bass and said, 'Gee, I sure didn't think I'd be toting a bull-fiddle when I moved in among the commies.'"
• "a noise halfway between a low bull-fiddle note and that of a motor trying to start."
• "Bonjour, "and carried on, humming bull-fiddle tunes."