ppl. a. [f. ADDLE v.1 + -ED. But, as it seems to have existed before the verb, it was perhaps originally, like newfangled, etc., an assimilation of the adj. to the participial form.] Become or made addle, as an egg, or brain.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., IV. vi. 194. Eggs, wherof the sound ones sink, and such as are addled swim; as do also those that are termed hypanemiae, or wind eggs.
1712. W. Rogers, Voyage (1718), 276. They found the [turtle’s] eggs addled in less than twelve hours, and in about twelve more they had young ones in them completely shaped and alive.
1732. Fielding, Cov. Gard. Trag., II. xii. Wks. 1784, II. 330. My muddy brain is addled like an egg.
1868. Geo. Eliot, Felix H., 24. Things don’t happen because they’re bad or good, else all eggs would be addled or none at all.
