Dwindle | v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Dwindled p. pr. & vb. n. Dwindling ] [ From OE. dwinen to languish, waste away, AS. dwīnan; akin to LG. dwinen, D. dwijnen to vanish, Icel. dvīna to cease, dwindle, Sw. tvina; of uncertain origin. The suffix -le, preceded by d excrescent after n, is added to the root with a diminutive force. ] To diminish; to become less; to shrink; to waste or consume away; to become degenerate; to fall away. [ 1913 Webster ] Weary sennights nine times nine Shall he dwindle, peak and pine. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] Religious societies, though begun with excellent intentions, are said to have dwindled into factious clubs. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ] |