SHILLYSHALLYING

Noun

shillyshallying

Alternative spelling of shilly-shallying

Source: Wiktionary


SHILLYSHALLY

Shill"-I-shall`-I, Shil"ly-shal`ly, adv. Etym: [A reduplication of shall I.]

Definition: In an irresolute, undecided, or hesitating manner. I am somewhat dainty in making a resolution, because when I make it, I keep it; I don't stand shill-I-shall-I then; if I say 't, I'll do 't. Congreve.

Shil"ly-shal`ly, v. i.

Definition: To hesitate; to act in an irresolute manner; hence, to occupy one's self with trifles.

Shil"ly-shal`ly, n.

Definition: Irresolution; hesitation; also, occupation with trifles. She lost not one of her forty-five minutes in picking and choosing, - - no shilly-shally in Kate. De Quincey.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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