taradiddle

• When this anecdote appeared in print, good old Dr. Dwight, shocked at the taradiddle, and fearing its evil influence on Washington's fame, spoiled the joke by explaining in a book that “a gentleman of great respectability, who was present when General Washington made the observation referred to, told me that he said, when describing those mosquitoes to Mr. Weld, that they 'bit through his stockings above the boots.' “ —  The True George Washington
• I hesitated; then resolved on a taradiddle, -- in Marjorie's interest. —  The Beetle
• Philip's smile contradicted this awful taradiddle, and Patty rejoiced at his nonsense. —  Patty Blossom
• \par was just another taradiddle designed to delay her departure yet again. \par —  Acorna's Quest
• Can you wonder that I described your theory, inaccurately perhaps but with some justification, as a taradiddle In England,” Fabian said, “after I’d had my first lapse, I went rather thoroughly into the whole business of unconscious behaviour following injuries to the head. —  Died in the Wool - Ngaio Marsh - Alleyn 13: 1944

Allen's Synonyms and Antonyms