ETYMOLOGY
probably from flummery (nonsense, humbug, empty trifling)
EXAMPLE (for n. 1.)
“… When Mr. Middleton was spoken to on the subject of sending Julia to Frankfort, he at first refused outright. ” No,” said he, ” indeed she shan’t go ! What does she want of any more flummerdiddle notions ? What she does know is a damage to her ! “
“But do you not wish to give your daughters every possible advantage ? ” said Mr. Wilmot. …”
From: Tempest and Sunshine; or, Life in Kentucky
By Mary Jane Holmes, 1854
Lexicophilia 