bric-a-brac
or bric-à-brac
[ brik-uh-brak ]
/ ˈbrɪk əˌbræk /
noun (used with a singular or plural verb)
miscellaneous small articles collected for their antiquarian, sentimental, decorative, or other interest.
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Origin of bric-a-brac
1830–40; < French, Middle French: literally, at random, without rhyme or reason; gradational compound from elements of obscure origin
SYNONYMS FOR bric-a-brac
trinkets, gimcracks, knickknacks, baubles, gewgaws.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for bric-a-brac
bric-a-brac
/ (ˈbrɪkəˌbræk) /
noun
miscellaneous small objects, esp furniture and curios, kept because they are ornamental or rare
Word Origin for bric-a-brac
C19: from French; phrase based on bric piece
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
bric-a-brac
1840, from obsolete French à bric et à brac (16c.) "at random, any old way," a nonsense phrase.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper