— dangler , n. — danglingly , adv.
/dang"geuhl/ , v. , dangled, dangling , n.
v.i.
1. to hang loosely, esp. with a jerking or swaying motion: The rope dangled in the breeze.
2. to hang around or follow a person, as if seeking favor or attention.
3. Gram. to occur as a modifier without a head or as a participle without an implied subject, as leaving the tunnel in The daylight was blinding, leaving the tunnel.
v.t.
4. to cause to dangle; hold or carry swaying loosely.
5. to offer as an inducement.
6. keep someone dangling , to keep someone in a state of uncertainty.
n.
7. the act of dangling.
8. something that dangles.
[ 1580-90; expressive word akin to Norw, Sw dangla, Dan dangle dangle ]
Syn. 1. swing, sway, flap.