Definition of dabble

exculpate Definition: (verb) to free from blame or guilt. Petersons.com

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< dabber

dabbler >

dab·ble    (dbl) KEY  

VERB:
dab·bled , dab·bling , dab·bles
VERB:
tr.

To splash or spatter with or as if with a liquid: "The moon hung over the harbor dabbling the waves with gold" (Katherine Mansfield).

VERB:
intr.

1. To splash liquid gently and playfully.
2. To undertake something superficially or without serious intent: "The restaurant business entails more than . . . dabbling in interior design" (Andy Birsh).
3. To bob forward and under in shallow water so as to feed off the bottom.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Possibly from Dutch dabbelen, frequentative of dabben, to strike, tap

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