quidam (kwidam)

[L., some, a certain, So many unworthy Quidams , which catch at the garlond which to you alone is dewe. Spenser , Shep. Cal., Ded. quiddany (kwid'a-ni), n. [L. cydonium , cy doneum , quince-juice, quince-wine, cydonia ( cydonium malum ), a quince: see Cydonia . Cf. quine2, quince .] A confection of quinces prepared with sugar. quid dative (kwid'a-tiv), a. [Contr. of quiddi tative.] Same as quidditative. Quiddist (kwidʼist), n. [ No quirk left, no quiddit , That may defeat him? 4911 quiddlel (kwid'l), v. i.; pret. and pp. quiddled, ppr. quiddling. [A dim. or freq. form, appar. based on L. quid, what, as in quiddit, quiddity, etc.: see quid, quiddity.] 1. To spend or waste time in trifling employments, or to attend to useful subjects in a trifling or superficial manner; be of a trifling, time-wasting character. You are not sitting as nisi prius lawyers, bound by quiddling technicalities. W. Phillips , Speeches, etc., p. 181. 2. To criticize. Davies . Set up your buffing base, and we will quiddell upon it. R. Edwards , Damon and Pythias. ( Davies .) quiddle1 (kwid'l), n . [ quiddle1 , v .] One who quiddles, or busies himself about trifles. Also quiddler. The English man is very petulant and precise about his accommodation at inns and on the road, a quiddle about his toast and his chop and every species of convenience. Emerson , English Traits, vi. quiddle2 (kwid'l), v. i.; pret. and pp. quiddled, ppr. quiddling. [Origin obscure.] To quiver; shiver; tremble; creep, as live flesh: as, the fish were still quiddling. [New Eng.]