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Webster 1913 Edition
Fangle
Fan′gle
,Noun.
[From ; hence, prop., a taking up a new thing.]
Fang
, Verb.
T.
Something new-fashioned; a foolish innovation; a gewgaw; a trifling ornament.
Fan′gle
,Verb.
T.
To fashion.
[Obs.]
To control and new
fangle
the Scripture. Milton.
Webster 1828 Edition
Fangle
FAN'GLE
,Noun.
A new attempt; a trifling scheme. [Not used.]
Definition 2024
fangle
fangle
English
Verb
fangle (third-person singular simple present fangles, present participle fangling, simple past and past participle fangled)
- (obsolete or dialectal) To fashion, manufacture, invent, or create.
- (Can we date this quote?) John Milton
- To control and new fangle the Scripture.
- (Can we date this quote?) John Milton
- (obsolete or dialectal) To trim showily; entangle; hang about.
- (obsolete or dialectal) To waste time; trifle.
Usage notes
Although obsolete in general English, the verb is still occasionally used in some regions, and is retained in the expression new fangled.
Derived terms
Etymology 2
Back formation from newfangled (adjective) as if new + fangle (noun). See newfangle.
Noun
fangle (plural fangles)
- (obsolete) A prop; a taking up; a new thing.
- Something newly fashioned; a novelty, a new fancy.
- A foolish innovation; a gewgaw; a trifling ornament.
- A conceit; whim.