whiffler

noun

1. (obsolete)One who whiffles, or frequently changes their course or opinion.
2. (obsolete)One who argues evasively; a trifler.

   “Every Whiffler in a Laced Coat, who frequents the Chocolate-Houſe, and is able to ſpell the Title of a Pamphlet, ſhall Talk of the Conſtitution with as much Plauſibility as this very Solemn Writer, and with as good a Grace blame the Clergy for medling with Politicks which they do not underſtand.”

3. (obsolete)One who plays on a whiffle; a fifer or piper.
4. (obsolete)An officer who went before a procession to clear the way, by blowing a horn or otherwise; hence, any person who marched at the head of a procession; a harbinger.

   “[...] Men, Wiues and Boyes, / Whoſe ſhouts & claps out-voyce the deep-mouth'd Sea, / Which like a mightie Whiffler 'fore the King, / Seems to prepare his way: [...]”

5. (US, dialectal)The goldeneye (duck).