dally
UK[ˈdæli]US[ˈdæli]
v
to act or move slowly or lazily
v
to spend time idly or frivolously
v
to have a casual romantic or sexual relationship with someone
Etymology
the verb 'dally' entered middle english from the anglo-norman french word 'dalier', meaning 'to chat, to gossip'. this french term is likely of germanic origin, possibly related to middle dutch 'dollen' meaning 'to jest, to fool around'. the core semantic thread from its origins is one of idle, playful, or frivolous activity, not focused on serious purpose. this evolved into the modern senses of moving slowly, wasting time, or engaging in casual flirtation, all carrying a connotation of playful or unserious delay.
Analysis
the word 'dally' is a simplex word of anglo-norman origin. it does not contain separable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
we dallied over breakfast and missed the first train.
he tends to dally with his work, leaving everything to the last minute.
she warned him not to dally with her affections.