falbala

American

[fal-buh-luh] / ˈfæl bə lə /

Also falbelo

noun

a furbelow or puckered flounce for decorating dresses in the 17th century.

falbala British

/ ˈfælbələ /

noun

a gathered flounce, frill, or ruffle

"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

Etymology

Origin of falbala

1695–1705; < French < Italian. See furbelow

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See how they rise at the sight, Thronging the OEil de Boeuf through, Courtiers as butterflies bright, Beauties that Fragonard drew, Talon-rouge, falbala, queue, Cardinal, Duke,—to a man, Eager to sigh or to sue,— This was the Pompadour's fan!

From Project Gutenberg

Falbala, fal′ba-la, n. a trimming for women's petticoats: a furbelow.

From Project Gutenberg

It., and Sp. falbala; of unknown origin.

From Project Gutenberg

In bridal coronet, Lace, ribbons, and coquette Falbala; Were Romney's limning true, What a lucky dog were you, Grandpapa!

From Project Gutenberg

See how they rise at the sight, Thronging the Œil de Bœuf through, Courtiers as butterflies bright, Beauties that Fragonard drew; Talon rouge, falbala, queue, Cardinal Duke,—to a man, Eager to sigh or to sue,— This was the Pompadour’s fan.

From Project Gutenberg

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023