Word Study
whiffle
CIDE DICTIONARY
whiffle, v. i. [Freq. of whiff to puff, perhaps influenced by D. weifelen to waver.].
- To waver, or shake, as if moved by gusts of wind; to shift, turn, or veer about. D [1913 Webster]
- To change from one opinion or course to another; to use evasions; to prevaricate; to be fickle. [1913 Webster]"A person of whiffing and unsteady turn of mind can not keep close to a point of controversy." [1913 Webster]
whiffle, v. t.
- To disperse with, or as with, a whiff, or puff; to scatter. Dr. H. More. [1913 Webster]
- To wave or shake quickly; to cause to whiffle. [1913 Webster]
whiffle, n.
A fife or small flute. Douce. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
whiffle, v. & n.
--v.
1 intr. & tr. (of the wind) blow lightly, shift about.
2 intr. be variable or evasive.
3 intr. (of a flame, leaves, etc.) flicker, flutter.
4 intr. make the sound of a light wind in breathing etc.
--n. a slight movement of air.
--v.
1 intr. & tr. (of the wind) blow lightly, shift about.
2 intr. be variable or evasive.
3 intr. (of a flame, leaves, etc.) flicker, flutter.
4 intr. make the sound of a light wind in breathing etc.
--n. a slight movement of air.
Derivative
whiffler n.
Etymology
WHIFF + -LE(4)
ROGET THESAURUS
whiffle
Wind
VB blow, waft, blow hard, blow great guns, blow a hurricane, wuther, stream, issue, respire, breathe, puff, whiff, whiffle, gasp, wheeze, snuff, snuffle, sniff, sniffle, sneeze, cough, fan, ventilate, inflate, perflate, blow up.For further exploring for "whiffle" in Webster Dictionary Online
