dabble
English
/ˈdæb(ə)l/, /ˈdæbəl/
verb
Definitions
- (transitive) To make slightly wet or soiled by spattering or sprinkling a liquid (such as water, mud, or paint) on it; to bedabble.
- (transitive) To cause splashing by moving a body part like a bill or limb in soft mud, water, etc., often playfully; to play in shallow water; to paddle.
- (intransitive) To participate or have an interest in an activity in a casual or superficial way.
- (intransitive) To interfere or meddle in; to tamper with.
Etymology
Suffix from English dab (untidy woman, dip, chit, dive, dabble, small child) derived from Middle Dutch dabbelen (dabble, fumble, knead, pinch).
Origin
Middle Dutch
dabbelen
Gloss
dabble, fumble, knead, pinch
Concept
Semantic Field
Food and drink
Ontological Category
Action/Process