Fangle

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈfæŋ.É¡É™l/
• (also) US IPA: /ˈfeɪŋ.É¡É™l/
• Rhymes: -æŋɡəl

From Middle English fangelen, from fangel ("inclined to take", adjective.), from Old English *fangol, *fangel ("inclined to take"), from fōn ("to take, seize"). Compare Old English andfangol ("undertaker, contractor"), Old English underfangelnes ("undertaking, hospitality"), Middle English fangen ("to take, seize, catch"). More at fang, onfang.

Full definition of fangle

Verb

1. (obsolete or dialectal) To fashion, manufacture, invent, or create.
• unknown date John MiltonTo control and new fangle the Scripture.
2. (obsolete or dialectal) To trim showily; entangle; hang about.
3. (obsolete or dialectal) To waste time; trifle.

Usage notes

Although obsolete in general English, the verb is still occasionally used in some regions, and is retained in the expression new fangled.

Derived terms

• fangleness
• newfangle
• newfangled

Derived erroneously from new-fangle as if new + fangle. See newfangle.

Noun

1. (obsolete) A prop; a taking up; a new thing.
2. Something newly fashioned; a novelty, a new fancy.
3. A foolish innovation; a gewgaw; a trifling ornament.
4. A conceit; whim.

Anagrams

• flange