putterings, 576
come puttering round, and try
dabs of different color on stray shingles till
there are not wanting shining examples;
your own eye for color become totally confused.
source :
male modes of puttering officiousness exampled, in
“Our Officious Friend,” Harper’s Bazar 17:43 (Saturday, October 25, 1884) : 674
more (full transcription) at putterings 576