Origin and history of wire-puller

Middle English wir, from Old English wir "elastic metal drawn out into a strand or thread," from Proto-Germanic *wira- (source also of Old Norse viravirka "filigree work," Swedish vira "to twist," Old High German wiara "fine gold work"), from PIE root *wei- "to turn, twist, plait." In early use of fine gold filigree worn ornamentally in the hair, etc.

In reference to the metallic strings of a musical instrument from late 14c. A wire as marking the finish line of a racecourse is attested from 1883; hence the figurative down to the wire. Wire-rim, of eye-glasses, is by 1968 (mentioned with mini-skirts and sideburns as characteristic of high school students).

The sense of "line of wire as an electrical conduit" is by 1747. Specifically as "telegraph wire" by 1846, thus "telegraph system" generally (by 1859; also see wire (v.)). Hence also the journalistic wire service (by 1894), transmitting news to client papers by wire, and the wire generically in newsrooms for "news of the nation and world."