Definitions for: Tinsel


[n] a thread with glittering metal foil attached
[n] a showy decoration that is basically valueless; "all the tinsel of self-promotion"
[adj] gaudy and showy but valueless; "trumpery ornaments"
[v] interweave with tinsel; "tinseled velvet"
[v] adorn with tinsel; "snow flakes tinseled the trees"
[v] impart a cheap brightness to; "his tinseled image of Hollywood"



Webster (1913) Definition: 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.


Tin"sel, a.
Showy to excess; gaudy; specious; superficial. ``Tinsel
trappings.'' --Milton.


Tin"sel, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Tinseledor 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.

Synonyms: trumpery, worthless

See Also: add, adorn, beautify, bestow, bring, contribute, decorate, decoration, embellish, grace, impart, interweave, lend, ornament, ornament, ornamentation, thread, weave, yarn

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