2. (common).To do languidly or to little purpose; TO NIGGLE (q.v.). Hence, PIDDLER = a trifler; and PIDDLING = mean, of small account, squeamish.GROSE (1785).
1544. ASCHAM, Toxophilus [ARBER], 117. And so auoyde bothe greate trouble, and also some cost whiche you cunnynge archers very often put your selues vnto neuer ceasynge PIDDELYNGE about your bowe and shaftes when they be well, but eyther with newe fetheryng.
c. 1622. MIDDLETON, The Mayor of Quinborough (1661), v. 1. Nine geese, and some three larks for PIDDLING meat.
1629. MASSINGER, The Picture, iii. 6.
Soph. My lord | |
Hath gotten a new mistress. | |
Ubald. One! a hundred . | |
They talk of Hercules fifty in a night, | |
Twas well; but yet to yours he was a PIDDLER. |
1632. SHIRLEY, The Changes, ii. 2. Let children, when they versify, stick here and there these PIDDLING words for want of matter. Poets write masculine numbers.
1690. CROWNE, The English Friar, ii. He has a weak stomach and cant make a meal, unless he has a dozen pretty dishes to PIDDLE upon.
1733. POPE, Imitations of Horace, II. ii. 137.
Content with little, I can PIDDLE here | |
On brocoli and mutton round the year. |
1723. SWIFT, Stella at Wood-Park.
From stomach sharp, and hearty feeding, | |
To PIDDLE like a lady breeding. |
d. 1774. GOLDSMITH, Criticisms [Century]. A PIDDLING reader might object to almost all the rhymes of the above quotation.
1902. W. E. HENLEY, Views and Reviews, II. 10. Though the Castle of Otranto is a PIDDLING piece of super-nature.