The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Fife \Fife\ (f[imac]f), n. [F. fifre, OHG. pf[imac]fa, LL. pipa
   pipe, pipare to play on the pipe, fr. L. pipire, pipare, to
   peep, pip, chirp, as a chiken. See Pipe.] (Mus.)
   A small shrill pipe, resembling the piccolo flute, used
   chiefly to accompany the drum in military music.
   [1913 Webster]

   Fife major (Mil.), a noncommissioned officer who
      superintends the fifers of a regiment.

   Fife rail. (Naut.)
   (a) A rail about the mast, at the deck, to hold belaying
       pins, etc.
   (b) A railing around the break of a poop deck.
       [1913 Webster]