Noah Webster
Whiffle
WHIFFLE, verb intransitive [G., to doubt, to rove or wander, which seems to be allied to sweep.] To start, shift and turn; to change from one opinion or course to another; to use evasions; to prevaricate; to be fickle and unsteady.
A person of a whiffing and unsteady turn of mind, cannot keep close to a point of controversy.
WHIFFLE, verb transitive To disperse with a puff; to scatter.
WHIFFLE, noun Anciently, a fife or small flute.