I. -ind( ə )liŋ, -inliŋ, -inlēŋ, -inlə̇n noun
( -s )
Etymology: from gerund of spindle (II)
1. : the act or process of growing in a spindling manner : the growth of a plant to stalk rather than to flowers or fruit
2. : a spindling person, plant, or object
II. adjective
Etymology: from present participle of spindle (II)
1. : conspicuously or disproportionately long and slender or thin
a tall, spindling ghost of a man — Van Wyck Brooks
2. : lacking vitality, development, or strength : thin , weak , ineffectual