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To do a small business; to be busy about trifles; to piddle.

, an adjustable piece, pierced with a small hole to peep through in aiming, attached to a rifle or other firearm near the breech.

An adjustable piece, pierced with a small hole to peep through in aiming, attached to a rifle or other firearm near the breech; -- distinguished from an open sight.

A small quantity; a trifle. Bacon.

To deal in trifles; to concern one's self with trivial matters rather than with those that are important. Ascham.

Hence, a thing of small value; a trifle. He . . . did not care a pin for her. Spectator.

Having a firing pin to explode the cartridge; as, a pin-fire rifle.

To act with levity or thoughtlessness; to trifle; to be careless. "Nay," quod this monk, "I have no lust to pleye." Chaucer. Men are apt to play with their healths. Sir W. Temple.

One who plays, or amuses himself; one without serious aims; an idler; a trifler. Shak.

To wade or move about with splashing; to dabble; also, to potter; trifle; idle. [Scot. & Dial. Eng.]

A careless person; a trifler. [R.]

A small matter; a trifle; a least consideration; a punctilio. This fellow doth not stand upon points. Shak. [He] cared not for God or man a point. Spenser.

Having many grooves; as, a polygrooved rifle or gun (referring to the rifling).

In rifle shooting, a contest in which each competitor pays a certain sum for every shot he makes, the net proceeds being divided among the winners.

To busy one's self with trifles; to labor with little purpose, energy, of effect; to trifle; to pother. Pottering about the Mile End cottages. Mrs. Humphry Ward.

er for instruction, profit, or amusement; as, to practice with the broadsword or with the rifle; to practice on the piano. practise

To act inefficiently or idly; to trifle; to potter.

A trifle; a kickshaw. Donne.

on words, caviling, or by raising any insignificant or impertinent question or point; to trifle in argument or discourse; to equivocate.

One who wastes his energy about trifles. Emerson.