frill

²frill

noun

Definition of FRILL

1

a : a gathered, pleated, or bias-cut fabric edging used on clothing b : a strip of paper curled at one end and rolled to be slipped over the bone end (as of a chop) in serving

2

: a ruff of hair or feathers or a bony or cartilaginous projection about the neck of an animal

3

a : affectation, air —usually used in plural <an honest … man who had no frills, … no nonsense about him — W. A. White> b : something decorative or useful and desirable but not essential : luxury

— frilly \ˈfri-lē\ adjective

Examples of FRILL

1. The dress had frills around the hem and sleeves.
2. He likes plain food without any frills.

Origin of FRILL

perhaps from Dutch dialect (Brabant) frul ribbon bow, trifle

First Known Use: 1591

Related to FRILL

Synonyms: flounce, ruffle, furbelow

Antonyms: basic, essential, fundamental, must, necessity, requirement

Related Words: border, edging, fringe, trim; plait, pleat, ruff; bunting, skirting

Near Antonyms: blemish, defacement, disfigurement, scar; blot, spot, stain

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel