I. noun
or jim·crack ˈjimˌkrak
( -s )
Etymology: origin unknown
1.
a. : something usually characterized by flimsy or tricky ingenuity rather than substance or worth : doodad , gadget
b. : toy , gewgaw , knickknack , trifle
2. archaic : a showily fashionable or affected person : fop
II. adjective
or jimcrack “
1. : hastily or shoddily constructed : having an improvised air or appearance : flimsy , unsubstantial
a mess of gimcrack bungalows — J.B.Priestley
gimcrack stands for the sale … of ice-cream cones — Jean Stafford
they were terrible gimcrack planes we flew in — W.S.Maugham
2. : trivial , frivolous
you expect me to pay for this gimcrack excursion of yours — Katherine Mansfield