— squibbish , adj.
/skwib/ , n. , v. , squibbed, squibbing .
n.
1. a short and witty or sarcastic saying or writing.
2. Journalism. a short news story, often used as a filler.
3. a small firework, consisting of a tube or ball filled with powder, that burns with a hissing noise terminated usually by a slight explosion.
4. a firecracker broken in the middle so that it burns with a hissing noise but does not explode.
5. Australian. a coward.
6. an electric, pyrotechnic device for firing the igniter of a rocket engine, esp. a solid-propellant engine.
7. Obs. a mean or paltry fellow.
v.i.
8. to write squibs.
9. to shoot a squib.
10. to explode with a small, sharp sound.
11. to move swiftly and irregularly.
12. Australian.
a. to be afraid.
b. to flee; escape.
v.t.
13. to assail in squibs or lampoons.
14. to toss, shoot, or utilize as a squib.
[ 1515-25; orig. uncert. ]