Tweedle \ [tweed-l]

Verb (used without object), tweedled, tweedling.

1. to produce high-pitched, modulated sounds, as a singer, bird, or

musical instrument.

2. to perform lightly upon a musical instrument.

Verb (used with object), tweedled, tweedling.

3. to lure by or as by music:

The Pied Piper tweedled the children into following him.

Quote

In regard to church music, if a man cannot be said to be merry or good-humored

when he is tickled till he laughs, why should he be esteemed devout or pious when

he is tweedled into zeal by the drone pipe of an organ?

William Shenstone, "On Religion," The Works in Verse and Prose, of William Shenstone,

Esq, 1764

Origin

Tweedle is imitative in origin, though it may also be influenced by the verb

wheedle. It entered English in the late 1600’s.

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