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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of trappings

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

Example Sentences

But “Alpha” rarely transcends its intellectual trappings or superficial themes.

From Los Angeles Times

Wrangling Gellar free from her inadvertent nostalgic trappings is no simple task.

From Salon

He posted photographs that showed off trappings of luxury without ever revealing his face.

From Los Angeles Times

Byrne, on the other hand, gives a worthy performance that saves “Tow” from its own pedantic trappings and functions as a similarly fed-up complement to her character in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.”

From Salon

“And then … you’d come home and paparazzi and all the sort of the trappings of, you know, living in that space.”

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• accouterment
• equipment
• paraphernalia