Translation error?

[superluser]

A Chipper is a machine. Just like a machine that computes is called a Computer. But that doesn't mean that old mathemathical devices from the 18th century were called Computers.

No, that word was reserved for groups of people who performed mathematical calculations.

As for chipper, the term does not refer to a chisel, though it can certainly refer to the thing they put Steve Buscemi through.