from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Dandy \Dan"dy\ (d[a^]n"d[y^]), n.; pl. {Dandies}
(d[a^]n"d[i^]z). [Cf. F. dandin, ninny, silly fellow,
dandiner to waddle, to play the fool; prob. allied to E.
dandle. Senses 2 & 3 are of uncertain etymology.]
1. One who affects special finery or gives undue attention to
dress; a fop; a coxcomb.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Naut.)
(a) A sloop or cutter with a jigger on which a lugsail is
set.
(b) A small sail carried at or near the stern of small
boats; -- called also {jigger}, and {mizzen}.
[1913 Webster]
3. A dandy roller. See below.
[1913 Webster]
{Dandy brush}, a yard whalebone brush.
{Dandy fever}. See {Dengue}.
{Dandy line}, a kind of fishing line to which are attached
several crosspieces of whalebone which carry a hook at
each end.
{Dandy roller}, a roller sieve used in machines for making
paper, to press out water from the pulp, and set the
paper. Dandy-cock