I. ˈri-gəl verb
( wrig·gled ; wrig·gling -g(ə-)liŋ)
Etymology: Middle English, from or akin to Middle Low German wriggeln to wriggle; akin to Old English wrigian to turn — more at wry
Date: 15th century
intransitive verb
1. : to move the body or a bodily part to and fro with short writhing motions like a worm : squirm
2. : to move or advance by twisting and turning
3. : to extricate or insinuate oneself or reach a goal as if by wriggling
transitive verb
1. : to cause to move in short quick contortions
2. : to introduce, insinuate, or bring into a state or place by or as if by wriggling
• wrig·gly -g(ə-)lē adjective
II. noun
Date: 1709
1. : a short or quick writhing motion or contortion
2. : a formation or marking of sinuous design