fillip
[ fil-uhp ]
/ ˈfɪl əp /
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noun
an act or instance of striking something with the nail of a finger snapped from the end of a thumb; a smart tap or stroke.
anything that tends to rouse, excite, or revive; a stimulus: Praise is an excellent fillip for waning ambition.
verb (used with object)
to strike with a fillip.
to tap or strike smartly.
to drive by or as by a fillip: Anticipation filliped his passion.
verb (used without object)
to make a fillip with the fingers.
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Origin of fillip
First recorded in 1525–35; late Middle English filip, fylippe, philippe “to make a signal or sound with thumb and right forefinger”; expressive word of uncertain origin
Words nearby fillip
fillet weld, fill-in, filling, filling defect, filling station, fillip, fillipeen, fillister, fillister head, fill light, Fillmore
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for fillip
British Dictionary definitions for fillip
fillip
/ (ˈfɪlɪp) /
noun
something that adds stimulation or enjoyment
the action of holding a finger towards the palm with the thumb and suddenly releasing it outwards to produce a snapping sound
a quick blow or tap made by a finger snapped in this way
verb
(tr) to stimulate or excite
(tr) to strike or project sharply with a fillip
(intr) to make a fillip
Word Origin for fillip
C15 philippe, of imitative origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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