vbl. sb. [f. TWIDDLE v.1 + -ING1.] The action of the verb TWIDDLE; twirling; trifling.
Twiddling line (Naut.), a light line formerly used to steady or secure the wheel; now, a line attached to the compass-box, by which the card may be jerked free when caught.
1847. Thackeray, Sk. Lond. (1891), 166. A chin-tuft is a cheap enjoyment…, and the twiddling it about … a harmless amusement.
1867. Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., Twiddling-line, a piece of small rope ornamentally fitted and used for steadying the steering-wheel when required; no longer used.
1882. Nares, Seamanship (ed. 6), 195. The rudder … must be secured … with the twiddling lines.
1890. Daily News, 3 Nov., 3/1. Jerry builders and draughtsmen, with their mindless twiddlings in stone and brick.
1906. Spectator, 6 Jan., 10/2. That dance … interspersed with meaningless bowings, scrapings, and twiddlings in odd corners.
