dally

views updated Jun 11 2018

dal·ly / ˈdalē/ • v. (-lies, -lied) [intr.] 1. act or move slowly.2. have a casual romantic or sexual liaison with someone. ∎  show a casual interest in something, without committing oneself seriously: dallying with the idea of opening a new office.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

dally

views updated May 29 2018

dally talk lightly XIV; sport, esp. amorously XV; trifle, spend time idly XVI. — OF. dalier converse, chat, of unkn. orig.
Hence dalliance talk; sport, amorous play XIV; frivolous action XVI.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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