1
general::
Spend time idly or pleasantly, as in It was a beautiful day and we whiled away the hours in the garden. This expression is the only surviving use of the verb while, meaning "to spend time." [First half of 1600s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): while a period of time away (doing something)
to spend or waste time doing something. • I whiled an hour away just staring at the sea. • Liz whiled away the entire afternoon, snoozing. • I just love to while away the hours.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs