Etymology From Middle English wagelen (attested in wagelyng), possibly a borrowing of Middle Low German wagelen; equivalent to wag + -le (“(frequentative)”). Compare continental equivalents Middle High German wacken ( > Danish vakle, German wackeln), Swedish vagla, West Frisian waggelje, Low German wackeln, Dutch waggelen.
1
To move (something) with short, quick motions; to wobble.
The Mole waggled his toes from sheer happiness, spread his chest with a sigh of full contentment, and leaned back blissfully into the soft cushions.1908 October, Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows, New York, N.Y.: Charles Scribner’s Sons, →OCLC:
Oscar turned to someone who wasn't there and waggled his head. "Hoo, boy," he said.1958 May, Avram Davidson, “Or All The Seas With Oysters”, in Galaxy Science Fiction, page 56:
2
Of the eyebrows To quickly raise and lower in rapid succession, usually as an implication of slyness, smugness, or suggestiveness.
3
To reel, sway, or move from side to side; to move with a wagging motion; to waddle.
I know you by the waggling of your head.1598–1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “Much Adoe about Nothing”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene i]:
Why do you go Nodding and Waggling so like a Fool, as if you were Hipshot? says the Goose to her Gosselin.1692, Roger L’Estrange, “ (please specify the fable number.) (please specify the name of the fable.)”, in Fables, of Æsop and Other Eminent Mythologists: […], London: […] R[ichard] Sare, […], →OCLC:
1 more example
The tassel on the end of his pigtail waggled all down the path and, as he turned out of the gate, it gave a special little flip.1942, Emily Carr, The Book of Small:
Etymology From Middle English wagelen (attested in wagelyng), possibly a borrowing of Middle Low German wagelen; equivalent to wag + -le (“(frequentative)”). Compare continental equivalents Middle High German wacken ( > Danish vakle, German wackeln), Swedish vagla, West Frisian waggelje, Low German wackeln, Dutch waggelen.
1
An instance of waggling.
2
A wobbling motion.
Give the cable a waggle to let it come out quicker.
3
Golf, Hobbies, Lifestyle, Sports The preliminary swinging of the club head back and forth over the ball in the line of the proposed stroke.