Definition of "addle" in English

adjective

1. Having lost the power of development, and become rotten; putrid.

   • addle eggs

2. (by extension) Unfruitful or confused; muddled.

   • addle brains

noun

1. (obsolete) Liquid filth; mire.

verb

1. To make or become addled; to muddle or confuse.

   • to addle someone's brain

2. To cause fertilised eggs to lose viability, by killing the developing embryo within through shaking, piercing, freezing or oiling, without breaking the shell.

noun

1. An unwise or intellectually impaired person.

verb

1. (provincial, Northern England) To earn, earn by labor; earn money or one's living.

2. (provincial, Northern England) To thrive or grow; to ripen.