[f. as prec. + -ING2.]
1. That bungles; unskilful and clumsy in working.
1589. Nashe, in Greene, Menaph., Ded. (Arb.), 12. Such bungling practitioners in principles.
1699. Bentley, Phal., Pref. 75. A Bungling Tinker, that makes two Holes, while he mends one.
1747. Costard, in Phil. Trans., XLIV. 483. Such Notions … demonstrate them to be very bungling Astronomers.
1875. T. Hill, True Order Studies, 66. There is always a danger of a bungling teacher’s extinguishing the child’s thirst for knowledge.
2. Of actions: Showing unskilfulness, clumsy.
1598. Florio, Abbozzamento, a … bungling peece of worke.
1634. T. Johnson, Parey’s Chirurg., XI. xviii. (1678), 291. It is a shameful and bungling part to do more harm with your hand than the Iron [of an Arrow] hath done.
1773. Burke, Corr. (1844), I. 439. Done in an awkward bungling manner.
1867. Freeman, Norm. Conq. (1876), I. App. 644. The bungling attempt of a compiler.
