dipper

noun

1. One who, or that which, dips (immerses something, or itself, into a liquid).

   “A chocolate dipper dips the cream centers into warm chocolate by hand; when taken out the creams are shaped [...]”

   “When the engine runs the dipper dips in the oil once in every revolution of the crankshaft and the oil is splashed on the cylinder walls.”

2. Any of various small passerine birds of the genus Cinclus that live near fast-flowing streams and feed along the bottom.
3. A cup-shaped vessel with a long handle, for dipping into and ladling out liquids; a ladle or scoop.
4. (India, UK)The control in a vehicle that switches between high-beam and low-beam (i.e. dips the lights), especially when used to signal other vehicles.
5. Any snack food intended to be dipped in sauce.

   “chicken dippers”

6. Someone who dips chewing tobacco or snuff.
7. (slang)A pickpocket.

   “It is doubtful if the Victorian Londoner needed any warning, for the artful mobsmen, toolers, whizzers and dippers, together with their stickman accomplices, were everywhere in the crowds, in the underground, on railway trains […]”

8. (historical)A person employed in a tin plate works to coat steel plates in molten tin by dipping them.
9. (historical)A person employed to assist a bather in and out of the sea.
10. (historical, informal)A Baptist or Dunker.
11. A delivery bowled that curves into or away from the batter before pitching.
12. (India, North, South-Asia, derogatory, offensive, slang)an Indian-born immigrant residing in Western countries, often born in the 1990s or later

name

1. Either the Big Dipper or the Little Dipper (in the singular, chiefly the Big Dipper).

   “In the Big Dipper, or Ursa Major, there are two stars which form the side of the dipper farthest from the handle. The line of these two [...] will strike the Pole Star. [...] A convenient sort of celestial yardstick is the distance from the first pointer of the Dipper to the Pole Star, which is about 28°.”

   “You can see the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper almost every night. You can see the Dippers every night if the clouds do not cover them. The Dippers seem to move. They are not always in the same place. You see the Dippers in one place […]”

   “Use the Dipper as home base. Follow the two end stars of its bowl to point downward (in the spring) or upward (in the fall) to Polaris, the North Star.”

   “It's always a challenge in the city, but sometimes I can spot the Dippers. On camping trips Drew used to show me constellations but I've forgotten most of them. She pointed out the North Star at the end of the Little Dipper's handle […]”

2. A Chinese constellation located near Sagittarius, one of the 28 lunar mansions and part of the larger Black Turtle.
3. (Canadian, informal)A member or supporter of the Canadian New Democratic Party.

   “But the Dippers should hold their applause, since their party doesn't have the grassroots organization or the roster of good candidates it needs to capitalize on their leader's popularity.”

   “This also (of course) comes on the heels of the four Conservative MPs who decided they didn’t like the direction and leadership of their party and drifted across the aisle. A Dipper joined them.”

adj

1. (Canadian, attributive, informal)Of or pertaining to the Canadian New Democratic Party or supporters thereof.

   “It's either that or watch Dipper hopes of big overall seat gains dashed May 2 in Ontario.”