I. ˈspaŋgəl, -paiŋ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English spangel, diminutive of spang shiny ornament, spangle, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse spang-, spöng spangle; akin to Old English spang clasp, buckle, Old High German spanga clasp, buckle, spannan to stretch, span — more at span
1. : a small disk or other geometric shape of shining metal or plastic used for sparkling ornamentation especially on dresses and costumes
2. : something resembling or suggesting a spangle in sparkle and brilliance: as
a. : a small object that brightly reflects light
a fox … wet with gold spangles of the dew — Edith Sitwell
b. : a glittering point of light
3. : a sparkle or glitter from or as if from spangles
4. : a glossy or shining mark on the end of a feather
II. verb
( spangled ; spangled ; spangling -g(ə)liŋ ; spangles )
transitive verb
: to set or sprinkle with or as if with spangles : adorn with small brilliant objects : give a sparkling appearance or impression to
the sky is … spangled with stars — Marjorie K. Rawlings
yellow jasmine spangled the forest with gold — B.A.Williams
an evening sheath … spangled with black sequins — Lois Long
intransitive verb
: to glitter as if covered with spangles : glisten , sparkle
it spangled like a cold star — Eudora Welty
its countless mirror lakes … glow and spangle — John Muir †1914
III. noun
( plural spangle or spangles )
Etymology: origin unknown
: a measure of yarn formerly in use in Ireland and Scotland