-d(ə)rē, -ri noun
( -es )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English embrouderie, from embrouderen, embroderen + -erie -ery
1.
a. : the art or process of forming decorative designs in plain or fancy stitches by hand or machine (as on cloth, leather, or paper)
b. : any such design or decoration
enlivened by embroidery on the collar and cuffs
a neckline accented by embroidery
c. : an object decorated with embroidery
made a modest living by sale of her embroideries
2. : elaboration of decorative often fictitious detail : embellishment
the succinct statement of economic facts and principles, without embroidery — W.B.Shaw
little time and breath to waste on long speeches, embroidery , and trivialities — Robert Moses
a classic case of embroidery on fact — Reporter
3. : diversified ornamentation especially by contrasts
fields in spring's embroidery are dressed — Joseph Addison
4. : something pleasing or desirable but superficial and nonessential
most of the content of all cultures consists of embroideries which, although they possess use and function, cannot be regarded as direct responses to the basic needs of the society — Ralph Linton
those who consider the humanities mere educational embroidery