Both Uses of
meddle
in
Candide
- "With what meddlest thou?" said the Dervish; "is it thy business?"†
Chpt 30meddlest = interfere in other people's affairs or businessstandard suffix: Today, the suffix "-st" is dropped, so that where they said "Thou meddlest" in older English, today we say "You meddle."
- I am entirely ignorant of the event you mention; I presume in general that they who meddle with the administration of public affairs die sometimes miserably, and that they deserve it; but I never trouble my head about what is transacting at Constantinople; I content myself with sending there for sale the fruits of the garden which I cultivate.†
Chpt 30 *meddle = interfere (in another's affairs or business); or handle (something that shouldn't be handled)
Definition:
interfere (in another's affairs or business)
or:
get involved with something where involvement isn't warranted
or:
get involved with something where involvement isn't warranted