I. foot·ling ˈfu̇tliŋ noun
( -s )
Etymology: from foot (I) + -ling (n. suffix)
: one of the fore-and-aft strips of wood secured to the frames in the bottom of a small boat : floorboard — called also footing
II. footling adverb (or adjective)
Etymology: foot (I) + -ling (adverb suffix)
: with or having the feet foremost
footling presentation at delivery
III. foo·tling ˈfü]d. ə liŋ, ˈfu̇], ]t( ə )liŋ\ adjective
Etymology: from present participle of footle
1. : lacking judgment, intelligence, or experience : foolish , silly
footling amateurs who understand nothing — E.R.Bentley
2. : lacking importance, use, or value : trivial , insignificant
a pity that such an attractive young woman should be interested in such footling things — Nevil Shute