furbelow

American  

[fur-buh-loh] / ˈfɜr bəˌloʊ /

noun

1. a ruffle or flounce, as on a woman's skirt or petticoat.

2. any bit of showy trimming or finery.

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verb (used with object)

1. to ornament with or as if with furbelows.

furbelow British  

/ ˈfɜːbɪˌləʊ /

noun

1. a flounce, ruffle, or other ornamental trim

2. (often plural) showy ornamentation

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verb

1. (tr) to put a furbelow on (a garment)

Other Word Forms

• unfurbelowed
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of furbelow

First recorded in 1670–80; variant of falbala

Example Sentences

This vengeance which Herr Hippe executed upon Furbelow seemed to have operated as a sort of escape-valve, and he found voice.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 04, No. 24, October, 1859 by Various

When he had disappeared, the frozen Zonéla thawed, and with a shriek of anguish flung herself on the inanimate body of Furbelow.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 04, No. 24, October, 1859 by Various

Sir, I was running to Mademoiselle Furbelow, the French milliner, for a new burgundy for my lady's head.

From History of English Humour, Vol. 1 With an Introduction upon Ancient Humour by L'Estrange, Alfred Guy Kingan

A Furbelow of precious Stones, an Hat buttoned with a Diamond, a Brocade Waistcoat or Petticoat, are standing Topicks.

From The Spectator, Volume 1 Eighteenth-Century Periodical Essays by Addison, Joseph

He went cautiously out into the darkness, with Furbelow perched on his shoulder, pressing his cold muzzle against his cheek.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 04, No. 24, October, 1859 by Various

Related Words

• color
• design
• finery
• ornament
• plaque
• ribbon
• trinket
• wreath