—n.
1 a a strip of material with one side gathered or pleated and the other left loose with a fluted appearance, used as an ornamental edging. b a similar paper ornament on a ham-knuckle, chop, etc. c a natural fringe of feathers, hair, etc., on an animal (esp. a bird) or a plant.
2 (in pl.) a unnecessary embellishments or accomplishments. b airs, affectation (put on frills).
—v.tr.
1 decorate with a frill.
2 form into a frill.
Phrases and idioms:
frill (or frilled) lizard a large N. Australian lizard, Chlamydosaurus kingii, with an erectile membrane round the neck.
Derivatives:
frilled adj. frillery n.
Etymology: 16th c.: orig. unkn.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.