dangle

Definition

To hang loosely with the ability to swing.

Etymology

Uncertain, but likely of North Germanic origin, akin to Danish dingle, dangle, Swedish dangla (“to swing about”), Norwegian dangla, perhaps via North Frisian dangeln; all possibly related to Old Norse dengja (“to hit”).

Example Sentences

• "His feet are dangling in the water."
• "He'd rather on a gibbet dangle / Than miss his dear delight, to wrangle."
• "From her lifted hand / Dangled a length of ribbon."