[f. TOM + NODDY sb.1]

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  1.  A local name of the Puffin (Fratercula arctica). Also Tommy Noddy, Tom or Tommy norie, and Tammie-norie: see TAMMIE 2.

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1702.  Tominories [see TAMMIE 2].

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1771.  Pennant, Tour Scotl. in 1769, 36. Puffins, called here Tom Noddies.

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1793.  Statist. Acc. Scot., V. 189. Tomnorries, lyres, calloos.

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1805.  Barry, Orkney, III. i. 305. The Puffin … or tommy noddie of this place, is seen very often.

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1822.  Hibbert, Descr. Shetl. Isl., iii. 401. Numberless flocks of birds, such as gulls and scarfs; and along with these,… the Tomnorry.

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1885.  Swainson, Provinc. Names Birds, 219. Puffin … Tom noddy, or Tommie norie (Farn Islands; Scotland).

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  2.  A foolish or stupid person; = NODDY sb.1 1.

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1828.  Craven Gloss., Tom-noddy,… tom-fool.

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1833.  T. Hook, Parson’s Dau., II. xiv. Why, what a tom-noddy you have made yourself!… that is, if you care for the Parson’s Daughter.

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1863.  Cowden Clarke, Shaks. Char., vi. 144. Our brother John does at times contrive to make a prodigious Tom-noddy of himself.

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