the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. A tinker.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. A tinker; hence, a vagabond; a craven.
n. One who or that which tinkles; in slang use, a small bell.
Word Usage
"By way of retaliation the youths, when opportunity occurred, would tie the cord of the "tinkler" to the weathercock, and the parish on a stormy night would be startled by the sound of ghostly, fitful ting-tangs."