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tinsel |
4 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Tinsel \Tin"sel\, n. [F. ['e]tincelle a spark, OF estincelle L. scintilla. Cf {Scintillate}, {Stencil}.] 1. A shining material used for ornamental purposes; especially, a very thin, gauzelike cloth with much gold or silver woven into it also very thin metal overlaid with a thin coating of gold or silver, brass foil, or the like Who can discern the tinsel from the gold? --Dryden. 2. Something shining and gaudy; something superficially shining and showy, or having a false luster, and more gay than valuable. O happy peasant! O unhappy bard! His the mere tinsel, hers the rich reward. --Cowper. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Tinsel \Tin"sel\, a. Showy to excess; gaudy; specious; superficial. ``Tinsel trappings.'' --Milton. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Tinsel \Tin"sel\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Tinseled}or {Tinselled}; p. pr & vb n. {Tinseling} or {Tinselling}.] To adorn with tinsel; to deck out with cheap but showy ornaments; to make gaudy. She tinseled o'er in robes of varying hues. --Pope. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: tinsel adj : gaudy and showy but valueless; "trumpery ornaments" [syn: {trumpery}] n 1: a showy decoration that is basically valueless; "all the tinsel of self-promotion" 2: a thread with glittering metal foil attached v 1: impart a cheap brightness to "his tinseled image of Hollywood" 2: adorn with tinsel; "snow flakes tinseled the trees" 3: interweave with tinsel; "tinseled velvet"
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