I. ˈfikəl adjective
( often fickler -k(ə)lə(r) ; often ficklest -k(ə)lə̇st)
Etymology: Middle English fikel false, deceitful, inconstant, from Old English ficol guileful, deceitful; akin to Old English be fician to deceive, fācen deceit, fraud, Old High German feihban deceit, guile, Old Norse feikn terror, misfortune, Latin piget it irks, disgusts, and probably to Old English fāh hostile — more at foe
: marked by lack of steadfastness, constancy, stability : given to ready change, inconstancy, whimsical choice, or unpredictable variability
the conventionally fickle woman — J.L.Lowes
because the people are so easily misled, and so fickle in their views — Will Durant
Synonyms: see inconstant
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: perhaps from Middle English fikelen to deceive, beguile, from fikel, adjective
1. chiefly Scotland : perplex , baffle
2. chiefly Scotland : outwit