n. & v.
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. frill (or frilled) lizard a large n. Australian lizard, Chlamydosaurus kingii, with an erectile membrane round the neck. frilled adj. frillery n.
[ 16th c.: orig. unkn. ]