DAB'BLE, verb transitive [Heb. tabal, or from the root of dip. See dip.] Literally, to dip a little or often; hence, to wet; to moisten; to spatter; to wet by little dips or strokes; to sprinkle. DAB'BLE, verb intransitive 1. To play in water; to dip the hands, throw water and splash about; to play in mud and water. 2. To do any thing in a slight or superficial manner; to tamper; to touch here and there. You have, I think, been dabbling with the text. Atterbury. 3. To meddle; to dip into a concern.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI