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wangle

Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • intransitive verb To obtain or achieve by cleverness or deceit, especially in persuading someone.
  • intransitive verb To extricate oneself by subtle or indirect means, as from difficulty; wriggle.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • verb transitive To obtain through manipulative or deceitful methods.
  • verb transitive To falsify, as records.
  • verb intransitive To achieve through contrivance or cajolery.
  • noun The act of wangling

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun an instance of accomplishing something by scheming or trickery
  • verb achieve something by means of trickery or devious methods
  • verb tamper, with the purpose of deception

Etymologies

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition

[Origin unknown.]

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

Blend of wag and dangle, first attested 1810-1820.

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Examples

  • "The Sunday schools must try to 'wangle' -- that was, a project their in-to 'wangle' -- that was, to project their in-enlarged task, and attempt to do what seemed impossible."

    Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 150, March 8, 1916 Various 1898

  • He never did a stroke of work that he could possibly "wangle" out of.

    Life in a Tank Richard Haigh

  • "I should have to 'wangle' a good deal more than that," -- harshly.

    The Hermit of Far End Margaret Pedler

  • We are going to be married the first moment he can get leave again -- and I shall 'wangle' him into being a 'red tab' -- he has fought enough. "

    Man and Maid Elinor Glyn 1903

  • She found him some clothes to wear and even managed to wangle the use of a jeep.

    A Covert Affair Jennet Conant 2011

  • The film was great, may even go to watch it again if I can wangle a leave pass.

    Star Trek Norfolk Blogger 2009

  • Fraud hunters are most incensed by people who publicize fictitious exploits in the media or use them to get elected, promoted or wangle undeserved veterans 'benefits.

    Heroes or Villains? 2010

  • She found him some clothes to wear and even managed to wangle the use of a jeep.

    A Covert Affair Jennet Conant 2011

  • If you decide on Rome, try to wangle a little extra time for Florence/Firenze and surrounding towns (Assisi, Siena, etc.).

    What would you say to your younger self? « Dating Jesus 2009

  • You can imagine "Mad Men's" Betty Draper taking pride in being able to wangle a basic conversation in French.

    What's The Point Of A Degree In French? 2010

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