Dictionary entry

Giddy

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Gid″dy (?), a. [Compar.Giddier (?); superl.Giddiest.] [OE. gidi mad, silly, AS. gidig, of unknown origin, cf. Norw. gidda to shake, tremble.]

1. Having in the head a sensation of whirling or reeling about; having lost the power of preserving the balance of the body, and therefore wavering and inclined to fall; lightheaded; dizzy.

By giddy head and staggering legs betrayed. Tate.

2. Promoting or inducing giddiness; as, a giddy height; a giddy precipice. Prior.

Upon the giddy footing of the hatches. Shak.

3. Bewildering on account of rapid turning; running round with celerity; gyratory; whirling.

The giddy motion of the whirling mill. Pope.

4. Characterized by inconstancy; unstable; changeable; fickle; wild; thoughtless; heedless. “Giddy, foolish hours.” Rowe.Giddy chance.” Dryden.

Young heads are giddy and young hearts are warm. Cowper.