To stave things off as Penelope did. The word was apparently coined by Mr. Benton.
1841. Diplomacy was still drawing out its lengthened thread—still weaving its long and dilatory web—still Penelopizing.—Mr. Thomas H. Benton of Missouri, U.S. Senate, June 14: Congressional Globe, p. 43, App.
1853. There is nothing for it but to penelopize, pull to pieces, and stitch away again.—J. L. Motley in O. W. Holmes, ‘Life’ (1878), p. 72. (N.E.D.)
