mither

Definition

To make an unnecessary fuss, moan, bother.

Etymology

Late 17th century, of unknown origin; * Possibly related to Middle English bemothered (“confused, perplexed”), itself probably related to Old English mēþe (“exhausting, troublesome”), Old Norse móðr (“angry, frustrated”), Middle Dutch moeden (“to tire, exhaust, disturb, trouble”). * Possibly allied to Welsh moedro (“to worry or bother”), though according to the GPC, the latter is borrowed from English. * Alternatively, possibly tied to Welsh meidda (“to beg for whey”), from maidd (“whey”). * Perhaps from Welsh meiddio (“to dare or venture”), a variant of beiddio (“to dare”). The "dd" in Welsh corresponds in sound to the "th" in mither, and English also has moider and moither.

Example Sentences

• "The European Commission is pondering how to compel phone companies to come up with a universal plug for their chargers. Apple, which uses its own design for its charger cables, is mithering about the change."
• ""Every night after work I'd mither [pester] my dad to take me out into the field and practise. There were definitely times when he didn't want to do it, but he never said no."