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FURBELOW/ˈfɜːbɪləʊ/ A gathered strip or pleated border; showy ornaments or trimmings. Furbelows have nothing to do with fur. The word came into English in the early eighteenth century from the French word falbala for a flounce, decoration or trimming on a woman’s petticoat or dress. Though similar words occur in other European languages — such as the German falbel or Spanish farfala — nobody seems to know where it comes from, though I have seen it suggested that it might originate in the Latin faluppa for a valueless thing. Almost from its first appearance in English, its plural has had the sense of something ostentatious or showy. These days it hardly ever turns up at all, but when it does it usually forms part of the set phrase frills and furbelows. |
Page created 16 Jan. 1999
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