twiddlyadj.
Characterized by twiddling; frequently in combination twiddly bit, a fancy or intricate embellishment; a detail.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > types of ornamentation > [noun] > intricate
evolution1773
twiddly bit1906
the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > [adjective] > twirling > twiddling
twiddling1844
twiddly1906
1906 Westm. Gaz. 19 Apr. 4/2 In your cradle safely nestling,..All your twiddly fingers wrestling With the toe-toes on your feet.
1912 C. Mackenzie Carnival viii. 83 That's no tune to dance to. You want something to show off the twiddly-bits.
1922 H. Jenkins Mrs. Bindle ii. 52 I like them little twiddley bits wot you been puttin' into that 'ymn.
1935 ‘G. Orwell’ Let. Sept. in Coll. Ess. (1968) I. 152 I have three more chapters and an epilogue to do, and then I shall spend about two months putting on the twiddly bits.
1964 V. S. Naipaul Area of Darkness x. 255 He was tall and thin,..and had a brisk, twiddly walk.
1974 Guardian 23 Mar. 14/4 I was..enchanted by the dining car, all wood panelling and twiddly bits.
1982 A. Barr & P. York Official Sloane Ranger Handbk. 148/1 Sloane windows need curtains with a capital C: with pelmets, twiddly bits, bands, tassels, tie-backs, edging.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1986; most recently modified version published online December 2020).
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adj.1906