Obs. exc. dial. [f. as prec. + -ING1.] The action of the verb TWATTLE; idle talking, chattering.
1586. J. Hooker, Hist. Irel., in Holinshed, II. 83/1. The continuall twatling of fliring clawbacks in their eares.
1634. W. Whateley, Redempt. Time, 15. When one talkes toyes or trifles,… such twatling cuts out the heart of good time.
1653. W. Ramesey, Astrol. Rej., 176. Addicted to twatling and prating.
a. 1745. Swift, To Dr. Sheridan, 14 Dec. You keep such a twattling with you and your bottling.
1843. Boston Post, 7 Feb., 2/1. The twattling and truckling practised by about an equal number of whigs and democrats in the legislature, to obtain the votes of the abolitionists, is disgusting.
