— trifler , n.
/truy"feuhl/ , n. , v. , trifled, trifling .
n.
1. an article or thing of very little value.
2. a matter, affair, or circumstance of trivial importance or significance.
3. a small, inconsiderable, or trifling sum of money.
4. a small quantity or amount of anything; a little: She's still a trifle angry.
5. a literary, musical, or artistic work of a light or trivial character having no great or lasting merit; bagatelle.
6. a kind of pewter of medium hardness.
7. trifles , articles made of this.
8. English Cookery. a dessert usually consisting of custard and cake soaked in wine or liqueur, and jam, fruit, or the like.
v.i.
9. to deal lightly or without due seriousness or respect: Don't trifle with me!
10. to play or toy by handling or fingering: He sat trifling with a pen.
11. to act or talk in an idle or frivolous way.
12. to pass time idly or frivolously; waste time; idle.
v.t.
13. to pass or spend (time) idly or frivolously (usually fol. by away ).
[ 1175-1225; (n.) ME tru ( f ) fle idle talk, deceit truf ( f ) e mockery, deceit; (v.) ME treoflen to mock trufler to make sport of ]
Syn. 1. bauble, toy. 13. fritter.