type genus of the Piperaceae: large genus of chiefly climbing tropical shrubs
"The botanist identified the strange vine in the Amazon rainforest as a member of the piper genus."
A musician who plays a pipe.
"The old merchant referred to a piper as a spice that was far more valuable than gold in his time."
Archaic form of pepper.
In plain English: A piper is someone who plays music by blowing air through pipes on an instrument called a bagpipe.
"The street performer was playing his bagpipes for everyone in the crowd."
An occupational surname, from occupations​.
"The genealogist noted that Piper was an occupational surname derived from the trade of playing a pipe instrument."
The word comes from the Old French pipier, which meant a person who plays a musical instrument called a pipe. It entered English in the 14th century with this same meaning, referring specifically to someone playing such an instrument or bagpipes.