Dictionaries of the Scots Language
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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Tinkil, Tin(c)kle, v. [ME and e.m.E. tyncle(n (Wyclif), tynkyll (c1400-50), tynkle (1562), tinckle (1582).] intr.

1. To emit a ringing or jingling sound. c1520-c1535 Nisbet 1 Cor. xiii 1.
As bras soundand, or as a cymbale tinkiland [W., P. tynkynge, c1440 tynclynge] 1667 Dumbarton B. Rec. App. i 9.
She heard him putt aff his breeches and the box in his pocket tinkling

2. To utter empty sounds, to talk idly or without sense or seriousness. Also transf. 1638 Baillie I 135.
There was three or four commissions of the North tinkled upon 1643 Baillie II 113.
Prince de Harcourt, the extraordinar embassadour of France, is tinkling here upon a mediation; but for little purpose 1646 Baillie II 372.
If that man now goe to tinckle on bishops and delinquents, and such foolish toyes, it seems he is madtransf. a1687 Sel. Biog. II 280.
Walk with a sober pace, not ‘tinkling with your feet’