dalliance

American  

[dal-ee-uhns, dal-yuhns] / ˈdæl i əns, ˈdæl yəns /

noun

1. a trifling away of time; dawdling.

2. amorous toying; flirtation.

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dalliance British  

/ ˈdælɪəns /

noun

1. waste of time in frivolous action or in dawdling

2. an archaic word for flirtation

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Etymology

Origin of dalliance

First recorded in 1300–50, dalliance is from the Middle English word daliaunce. See dally, -ance

Example Sentences

But this time the restraint isn’t derived from the fear of judgment; it’s borne out of the knowledge that any dalliance with Samuel could have dire consequences.

From Salon

He easily could be starring for top-ranked Texas after a springtime dalliance in which he was courted by the Longhorns during what he described as “a four-day vacation” in the transfer portal.

From Los Angeles Times

All in all, quite a dalliance with the Boys of Summer.

From Los Angeles Times

While its brief dalliance with the major label in the late ’90s did not yield any pop home runs, the moment coincided with what many consider to be the production trio’s creative apex.

From New York Times

He remains mostly revered among the Bluejays’ faithful, though there are some who hold some resentment for his dalliance with Arkansas in 2014 — a job he initially accepted before pivoting and retreating to Creighton.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• fling