Definition of "waffle"

Both joists and slab are cast in place to form a monolithic unit, integral with the supporting beams and columns. The joists form a characteristic waffle pattern on the underside. Structural design of joist construction: one-way or waffle flat slab […]

1970, Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, Manual of Standard Practice

The most widely used type of waffle construction is the waffle flat slab, in which solid portions around column supports are […] These beams may be produced as projections below the waffle, as shown […]

1993, Harry Parker, James Ambrose, Simplified Engineering for Architects and Builders

In one-way (pan joist) and two-way (waffle) joist construction, a similar layout is usually adopted.

2008, Edward G. Nawy, Concrete Construction Engineering Handbook, CRC Press, page 9

The cab was waffled in between the two, Marsh never having a prayer or even a full comprehension of what happened to him. He was crushed flat, never even hearing the deafening screech of metal.

1995, Peter Allen David, The Incredible Hulk: What savage beast

These were not the Cowboys who were waffled, 45–14, here at mid-season. They came prepared to play a championship football game, with an ultra-conservative game plan suited to the horrendous turf conditions, and came close to pulling it off [...]

1997, Bill Conlin, Kevin Kerrane (editor), "Batting cleanup, Bill Conlin", page 121

Then I waffled him and knocked him down. Why I cut myself open with the razor, I'm not completely sure. I was like the idiot in a bar who gets all worked up and smashes a bottle over his head [...]

2005, Shawn Michaels, with Aaron Feigenbaum, Heartbreak & Triumph: The Shawn Michaels Story, page 47

Bednarik, however, says the play became legendary only because of the circumstances. "I did it [...] to the top honcho. He just happened to be there and the pass was thrown to him. I waffled him cleanly." [...] "He just cold-cocked Frank," said linebacker Bob Pellegrini, whose injury sent Bednarik into the game to play defense.

2006, Gordon Forbes, Tales from the Eagles Sideline, updated edition, page 2

Again the answer was "waffled," for this did not say that no air units had been alerted. Only that none had been "identified." Moreover, the reply concerned air "unit[s]" as opposed to "air craft".

1970, John Galloway, The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, page 115

I waffled between going to the deposition and going to the doctor's. Wishing Barbara was there, I decided to call the doctor afterward.

2011, Tony Hefner, Between the Fences

But as Germany struggles to overcome its post-World War II reluctance to lead on security matters in Europe and set aside its instinct to accommodate rather than confront Russia, Europe’s most pivotal country has waffled in the first crucial test for the new government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

2022 January 25, Katrin Bennhold, “Where Is Germany in the Ukraine Standoff? Its Allies Wonder.”, in The New York Times‎

A source close to Altman says the board had agreed in principle to resign and to allow Altman and Brockman to return, but has since waffled — missing a key 5PM PT deadline by which many OpenAI staffers were set to resign.

2023 November 18, Nilay Patel, “OpenAI board in discussions with Sam Altman to return as CEO”, in The Verge‎

Unless you have a great line in gags or repartee don't waffle on aimlessly to your audience, or make in-jokes among yourselves, the band or the compere/DJ.

1976, Tony Hatch, So you want to be in the music business, Everest Books, page 68

Before getting down to the nitty gritty of beekeeping, most contributors to BBJ like to waffle on for a bit about the weather, the state of their garden or something equally inconsequential.

1984, “Apiary Antics- No.5”, in British bee journal, volumes 112-113, page 68

She waffled on for ages. Usually I'd say something smart or make it obvious that I wasn't interested and couldn't be bothered listening.

2005, Bill Condon, No Worries, Univ. of Queensland Press, page 78

The whole thing ended suddenly when the hotel manager arrived. He waffled on for a bit; this settled everyone down.

2006, Carl Storm, A Mighty Fine Way to Live and Die, Backstrap Ltd, page 8

“ […] You get anything useful on the background checks?” / He waffled his hand. “Nothing like what you brought back, but still some interesting notes. […]”

2007, Michael Koryta, Sorrow’s Anthem, Macmillan, page 146