[em.broi.dery] n, pl -der.ies (14c) 1 a: the art or process of forming decorative designs with hand or machine needlework b: a design or decoration formed by or as if by embroidery c: an object decorated with embroidery
2: elaboration by use of decorative and often fictitious detail
3: something pleasing or desirable but unimportant "considered the humanities mere educational ~"