puffer

n. 1. One who puffs; one who praises with noisy or extravagant commendation. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One who is employed by the owner or seller of goods sold at suction to bid up the price; a by-bidder. Bouvier. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Zool.) (a) Any plectognath fish which inflates its body, as the species of Tetrodon and Diodon of the family Tetraodontidae; -- called also blower, puff-fish, swellfish, and globefish. They are highly poisonous due to the presence of glands containing a potent toxin, tetrodotoxin. Nevertheless they are eaten as a delicacy in Japan, being prepared by specially licensed chefs who remove the poison glands. (b) The common, or harbor, porpoise. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Dyeing) A kier. [ 1913 Webster ]