To dabble in the funds; to dabble in politics - i e to do something in them in a small way (Dutch, dabbelen, our dip and tap )
dip a foot or hand briefly into a liquid work with in a non-serious manner; "She dabbles in astronomy"; "He plays around with investments bu he never makes any money"
covered patchily; often used in combination; "waves dabbled with moonlight"; "a blood-spattered room"; "gardens splashed with color"; "kitchen walls splattered with grease