托儿 has two distinct noun senses. The first is a small tray or saucer used to hold teacups or other items, though this usage is less common today (often replaced by 托盘). The second, very common sense is a 'shill' or 'decoy' — someone secretly employed to pose as a customer, attract real buyers, or create fake buzz. This second meaning is frequently encountered in Chinese social contexts, especially in street scams or online promotions. When used as a decoy, 托儿 is a person; when used as a tray, it's an object.