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trifle

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The definition of a trifle is a small amount of something or is something of little importance, or a dessert consisting of layers of sponge cake, jelly and cream.

(noun)

An example of trifle is a matter that is not very important and that doesn't merit a lot of consideration.
An example of trifle is a dessert with wine soaked spongecake, strawberry jelly and whipped cream.

Trifle is defined as to treat someone without respect, or to waste time playing or doing silly and frivolous things.

(verb)

An example of trifle is when a man treats a woman without respect.
An example of trifle is when you sit around gossiping all day.

See trifle in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

something of little value or importance; trivial thing, idea, etc.; paltry matter
a small amount of money
a small amount or degree; bit
esp. in England, a dessert consisting of spongecake soaked in wine, spread with jam, and covered with custard, whipped cream, etc.
1. a kind of pewter of medium hardness
2. utensils made of this

Origin: ME < OFr trufle, mockery, dim. of truffe, deception

intransitive verb trifled, trifling

to talk or act jokingly, mockingly, etc.; deal lightly: not a person to trifle with
to play or toy (with something)
to play fast and loose (with a person's affections); dally

transitive verb

to spend idly; waste: to trifle the hours away

Related Forms:

trifler noun

See trifle in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Something of little importance or value.
A small amount; a jot.
A dessert typically consisting of plain or sponge cake soaked in sherry, rum, or brandy and topped with layers of jam or jelly, custard, and whipped cream.
a. A moderately hard variety of pewter.
b. trifles Utensils made from this variety of pewter.

verb tri·fled, tri·fling, tri·fles

verb, intransitive

To deal with something as if it were of little significance or value.
To act, perform, or speak with little seriousness or purpose; jest.
To play or toy with something: Don't trifle with my affections. See Synonyms at flirt.

verb, transitive

To waste (time or money, for example).

Origin:

Origin: Middle English trufle, trifle

Origin: , from Old French trufle, mockery

Origin: , diminutive of truffe, deception

Related Forms: