The term 'PUTTER (AROUND)' can be broken down into three crossword solutions: DABBLE (6 letters), MESS (4 letters), and FUTZ (4 letters). DABBLE means to engage in an activity in a casual or superficial way. MESS means to make a MESS of something, or to cause disorder. Futz means to fiddle with something, or to waste time in a leisurely manner. Putter around is an idiom that means to move or act slowly and aimlessly. Therefore, the three crossword solutions together describe the meaning of the term 'putter around' as engaging in an activity in a casual or superficial way, making a MESS of something, or wasting time in a leisurely manner.