to fritter away

1 definition found

to fritter away - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Fritter \Frit"ter\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Frittered; p. pr. &
     vb. n. Frittering.]
     1. To cut, as meat, into small pieces, for frying.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. To break into small pieces or fragments.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Break all nerves, and fritter all their sense.
                                                    --Pope.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     To fritter away, to diminish; to pare off; to reduce to
        nothing by taking away a little at a time; also, to waste
        piecemeal; as, to fritter away time, strength, credit,
        etc.
        [1913 Webster]