PIPER (2)

Pip″er (?), n. 1. 1. (Mus.) One who plays on a pipe, or the like, esp. on a bagpipe. “The hereditary piper and his sons.” Macaulay.
2. 2. (Zoöl.) (a) A common European gurnard (Trigla lyra), having a large head, with prominent nasal projection, and with large, sharp, opercular spines. (b) A sea urchin (Goniocidaris hystrix) having very long spines, native of both the American and European coasts.
To pay the piper, to bear the cost, expense, or trouble.