▪ I. ˈniddle-ˈnoddle, a.
[A reduplicative formation on nod v.: cf. nid-nod v.]
Having nodding heads. Also fig.
| 1761 Brit. Mag. II. 101 Who doats on pagods, and gives up vile man For niddle-noddle figures from Japan. 1820 Combe Syntax iii. i, What is said by state physicians, And niddle-noddle politicians. |
▪ II. ˈniddle-ˈnoddle, v.
[Cf. prec.]
intr. To nod unsteadily to and fro; to nod the head rapidly. Also trans. with the head as object.
| 1840 Hood Kilmansegg, Christening ix, Her head niddle-noddled at every word. 1845 Punch VIII. 138 He continually niddle-noddles his head like a toy mandarin. 1855 A. Manning O. Chelsea Bun-ho. xv. 244 The Mandarin niddle-noddles, till it makes one's head spin to look at him. |