trappings

American  

[trap-ingz] / ˈtræp ɪŋz /

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. articles of equipment or dress, especially of an ornamental character.

   Synonyms:

   apparel, attire, raiment, costume

2. conventional adornment; characteristic signs.

   trappings of democracy.

3. Sometimes trapping. an ornamental covering for a horse; caparison.

---

trappings British  

/ ˈtræpɪŋz /

plural noun

1. the accessories and adornments that characterize or symbolize a condition, office, etc

   the visible trappings of success

2. a ceremonial harness for a horse or other animal, including bridles, saddles, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of trappings

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at trap ², -ing ¹, -s ³

Explanation

Big house, shiny new car, a custom-made suit, an expensive watch, cool sunglasses... If you have these things, you have the trappings of success, which means you own things that give you the outward appearance of success. The word trappings originally described the decorations people attached to their horse's bridle and saddle. The goal was to make a statement about the rider's power and privilege. Today, we still have trappings, but they take other forms, such as expensive clothing with big logos or big diamond earrings. Trappings are material items that tell the world that someone has money — or a credit card — but not about who he or she is on the inside.

Example Sentences

"Trappings at the congress were extremely flamboyant so we began to wonder where the money had come from to pay for them," Aho said.

From Reuters • Jan. 31, 2023

Trappings of Art, From Tank to Coffin A central goal of the inaugural Queer New York International Arts Festival was to posit a more expansive notion of queerness.

From New York Times • Jun. 18, 2012

Trappings of success Cohen is a rich target for an angry former wife.

From Washington Post • Apr. 25, 2010

There will not, Sir, I warrant, be enough Trappings to go around!

From Time Magazine Archive

The Amazon immediately singled out this well-dressed Warrior, being seized with a Woman's Longing for the pretty Trappings that he was adorned with:           '… Totumque incauta per agmen   Fæmineo prædæ et spoliorum ardebat amore.'

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

Related Words

• accouterment
• equipment
• paraphernalia