kickshaw

[ kik-shaw ]

noun

1. a tidbit or delicacy, especially one served as an appetizer or hors d'oeuvre.
2. something showy but without value; trinket; trifle.

kickshaw

/ ˈkɪkˌʃɔː /

noun

1. a valueless trinket
2. archaic.
   a small elaborate or exotic delicacy

Word History and Origins

Origin of kickshaw¹

1590–1600; back formation from kickshaws < French quelque chose something (by folk etymology)

Word History and Origins

Origin of kickshaw¹

C16: back formation from kickshaws, by folk etymology from French quelque chose something

Example Sentences

Put about a cup of ale, is this not better than your foolish French kickshaw claret.

From Project Gutenberg

Absolutely everybody seemed to be lunching at Kickshaw's yesterday!

From Project Gutenberg

Andover, knowing her, imagined that she had been refused some kickshaw, and thought no more about it.

From Project Gutenberg

Notwithstanding the comforting assurances of Kickshaw, I felt considerably nervous.

From Project Gutenberg