Tom-noddy
(ˈtɒmˈnɒdɪ)
Also tom-noddy.
[f. Tom n.1 + noddy n.1]
1. A local name of the Puffin (Fratercula arctica). Also Tommy Noddy, Tom or Tommy norie, and Tammie-norie: see tammie 2.
| 1702 Tominories [see tammie 2]. 1771 Pennant Tour Scotl. in 1769 36 Puffins, called here Tom Noddies. 1793 Statist. Acc. Scot. V. 189 Tomnorries, lyres, calloos. 1805 Barry Orkney iii. i. 305 The Puffin..or tommy noddie of this place, is seen very often. 1822 Hibbert Descr. Shetl. Isl. iii. 401 Numberless flocks of birds, such as gulls and scarfs; and along with these,..the Tomnorry. 1885 Swainson Provinc. Names Birds 219 Puffin..Tom noddy, or Tommie norie (Farn Islands; Scotland). |
2. A foolish or stupid person; = noddy n.1 1.
| 1828 Craven Gloss., Tom-noddy,..a tom-fool. 1833 T. Hook Parson's Dau. ii. xiv, Why, what a tom-noddy you have made yourself!..that is, if you care for the Parson's Daughter. 1863 Cowden Clarke Shaks. Char. vi. 144 Our brother John does at times contrive to make a prodigious Tom-noddy of himself. |