furbelow

[fur-buh-loh]

noun

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

2. any bit of showy trimming or finery.

verb (used with object)

1. to ornament with or as if with furbelows.

furbelow

/ ˈfɜːbɪˌləʊ /

noun

1. a flounce, ruffle, or other ornamental trim

2. (often plural) showy ornamentation

verb

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

Other Word Forms

• unfurbelowed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of furbelow¹

First recorded in 1670–80; variant of falbala

Word History and Origins

Origin of furbelow¹

C18: by folk etymology from French dialect farbella ; see _falbala

Example Sentences

The tantalizing close-ups of tulle, feathers and other furbelows cry out for an edition with paper dolls.

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“Well, I don’t know that fifty is much for a dress, with all the furbelows and notions you have to have to finish it off these days.”

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Modern elements temper the fussiness of frills and furbelows while showcasing their features, and allow you to create personal spaces that aren’t stuck in a single style.

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“Eh—what? Oh, get along, girl, get along. I’ve no time for such frills and furbelows.”

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Daley described how Yankee Stadium would be dressed up for the day with “extra flourishes and furbelows.”

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Related Words

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