Definition:
: to stagger, weave, or wander in the zigzag course of one drunken or irresolute
Example:
"... and, so saying, he discussed two bottle of old Bordeaux, and, staggering to a bye lane, vandyked to Farningham-having, however, had the precaution of depositing in his pockets a brace of champagne, twins of hock, and the best portion of a Westphalia ..." – Fraser's Magazine, February 1831
About the Word:
Vandyke has a lovely etymology incongruous with so unlovely an activity. It comes from the name of Anthony Van Dyck – and not because he was a drunken sot.
The Flemish painter was in the habit of painting subjects who wore collars featuring deeply indented or zagging collars. His name was then applied to various things reminiscent of that distinctive shape, be that thing a sharply edged border on a piece of furniture, or the hapless weaving of one who has imbibed overmuch of drink.
Photo credit: wikiart
