dally

Definition

To waste time in trivial activities, or in idleness; to trifle.

Etymology

From Middle English dalien, from Anglo-Norman delaier. Doublet of delay.

Example Sentences

• "I wish, grave governor, 'twere in my power / To favour you; but 'tis my father's cause, / Wherein I may not, nay, I dare not dally."
• "[…] after we by our presumptuous delays have put off God, and dallied with his grace; […]"
• "[…] we have trifled too long already about a matter of such infinite moment, it is perfect Madness to dally any longer. […]"