or tweedle, verb. (colloquial).—1. To finger idly and lightly: usually in phrase, ‘to TWIDDLE one’s fingers’; to FIDDLE (q.v.), wriggle, or twist about; to be busy about trifles; to wheedle, to coax: e.g., ‘She can TWIDDLE him round her little finger’: cf. TWIRL.
1540. [COLLIER, Dramatic Poetry, ii.] [T. L. KINGTON-OLIPHANT, The New English, i. 482. There is the verb TWYDLE, which seems to be connected with twirl].
1568. The Marriage of Wit and Science. What unthryftnes therein is TWYDLYNGS?
1676. R. WISEMAN, Eight Chirurgical Treatises, III. ii. I pressed close upon it, and TWIDLED it in first one side, then the other.
1715. ADDISON, The Free-holder, No. 3, 30 Dec. We were likewise joined by a very useful Associate, who was a Fidler by Profession, and brought in with him a Body of lusty young Fellows, whom he had TWEEDLED into the Service.
d. 1800. COWPER, Pairing-Time Anticipated. Dick heard, and TWEEDLING, ogling, bridling.
1847–8. THACKERAY, Vanity Fair, xiv. ‘Lookout,’ … said the mustachio TWIDDLER. Ibid. (1848), The Book of Snobs, xxiv. All the bugles in her awful head-dress began to TWIDDLE and quiver. Ibid. (1862), The Adventures of Philip, xiv. TWIDDLING a little locket which he wore at his watch chain.
1851–61. H. MAYHEW, London Labour and the London Poor, I. 481. Marm, I seed him a TWIDDLING with your gown.
1880. P. ROBINSON, Under the Sun, 72. Straw-coloured crickets that sit and TWIDDLE their long antennæ.
1886. Daily Telegraph, 13 Jan. TWIDDLING their thumbs in front of comfortable fires.
1889. MARGARET OLIPHANT, A Poor Gentleman, ix. Then he sat silent for a moment, staring into the fire, and TWIDDLING his thumbs.
2. (venery).—To wanton; to TOUCH (q.v.); TO SLEUTHER (q.v.). TWIDDLE-DIDDLES = the testes (GROSE).
