dingbat

(diŋbat′)

noun

  1. Informal a stone, stick, or other object suitable for throwing
  2. Printing, Informal any of various decorative marks, as at the beginning of a paragraph
  3. Slang a foolish or erratic person

Origin: < ding, in obs. sense “to fling” + bat

See dingbat in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. Slang An empty-headed or silly person.
  2. An object, such as a brick or stone, used as a missile.
  3. Slang An unspecified gadget or other small article, especially one whose name is unknown or forgotten.
  4. Printing A typographical ornament or symbol.

Origin:

Origin: Probably ding1

Origin: + bat2 (as in bats in the belfry)

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