FIRTLE

Verb. To appear busy but without actually achieving anything, to tinker, to do a task which is seen as a waste of time. E.g."He's been firtling in the shed all morning." [Northern use?] Noun. The act of firtling. E.g."I was having a firtle in the wardrobe and found the flares I used to wear in the 70s." [Northern use?]