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Webster 1913 Edition


Fangle

Fan′gle

,
Noun.
[From
Fang
,
Verb.
T.
; hence, prop., a taking up a new thing.]
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.
fang'gl.
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)

  1. (obsolete or dialectal) To fashion, manufacture, invent, or create.
    • (Can we date this quote?) John Milton
      To control and new fangle the Scripture.
  2. (obsolete or dialectal) To trim showily; entangle; hang about.
  3. (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)

  1. (obsolete) A prop; a taking up; a new thing.
  2. Something newly fashioned; a novelty, a new fancy.
  3. A foolish innovation; a gewgaw; a trifling ornament.
  4. A conceit; whim.

Anagrams